
Glass. 
Book. 



AlffiRIGAI^I HORSES A!-I^ HORSE BREEDING 
A domfl-d^ hisf»t^ o-p fhe, hot^fL. 
ft-ov-n i-h^ l-'e.mofesf f^tiod. in his 
hisiohj -f-o dd4^ . . . 



John Dimon 



J. JJi m o t\ 
i ^^5 



.Iss 



g^(licatt0u. 



To Mr. ROBERT BONNER, 

THE GEEAT LOVER OF GOOD AND FAST HORSES, AND WHO, BY HIS LIBER- 
ALITY IN PURCHASING AT HIGH PRICES, HAS DONE MORE FOR THE EN- 
COURAGEMENT OP BREEDING THE "AMERICAN TROTTER" THAN 
ANY OTHER MAN LIVING, THIS VOLUME (WITH HIS CONSENT 
AND APPROVAL) IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS 
A SLIGHT TOKEN OF RESPECT, BY THE AUTHOR, 

JOHN DIMON. 



(3) 



CONTENTS. 



Pkeface, . ' 17 

Introduction, 19 

Author's Remarks 21 

Plan op the Book, 23 

CHAPTER I. 
THE HORSE. 

Embracing his birthplace — Earliest history — Advent into America — 
Climatic influence and food — GreeS^ythology claiming immortal- 
ity — The first horse-dealer of the world, 25 

WILD HORSES OF AMERICA. 

Their origin, habits in a wild state — Males have frequent contests for su- 
premacy — Their modes of warfare — Origin of the Indian Pony and 
Mustang — Breeds and what constitutes a breed— Skill required in 
forming new breeds — Names of eleven distinct breeds in America, . 31 

CHAPTER II. 
THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

Mahomet its founder and the first breeder of blood-horses of the world — 
Foundation mares for Mahomet's stud — Beautiful points of the Ara- 
bian—The Arabian, the foundation of the English thoroughbred — 
Arabian blood in the Percheron, Morgan, and Narragansett Pacer. 
Six distinct breeds in Arabia — History of the Liudsey's Arabian — 
Importation of Grand Bashaw in 1820. Importation of Ishmael Pacha 
in 1872 — A. Keen Richards' views on breeding the Arabian in Ken- 
tucky — Difficulty of obtaining good specimens in Arabia, ... 35 

CHAPTER III. 
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE. 

The oldest and best established breed of America and Europe— Breed 
built up on an Arabian and Barb foundation — The Darley Arabian 
— Definition of Thwoughhred — Imported Messenger — Imported 
Diomed— Imported Trustee — America's greatest sire, Lexington — 
Value of thoroughbred stallions — Influence of the thoroughbred in 
American-bred horses, 44 

(5) 



6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 
THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. 
The origin, rise, and progress of the breed — Daniel Pearce and his Stal- 
lion Rambler — Imported Rambler — Rambler as a Stock-horse — 
Great durability of the Narragausetts — Demand for export — Narra- 
gansett blood in the Morgans — "Little-neck Beach," Narragansett, 
R. I., as a race-course for the pacer in 1720 — Mary Langworthy 
Southcote of York, England, as connected with the history of the 
Pacer, 52 

CHAPTER V. 

THE FRENCH CANADIAN HORSE. 

Early Imported into Canada from France — Climatic influence on the 
early horses of Canada — Hardiness and utility of tlie Canadian horse 

— Canadian blood in the American trotter and pacer — Noted Canada 
horses brought to the United States — Surry, the dam of Henry Clay, 
was a Canadian, 56 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE MORGAN HORSE. 

The Morgans strictly an American breed — Beauty and power of endur- 
ance — Justin Morgan the founder — Pedigree of Justin Morgan — 
Description of Justin Morgan — Sherman Morgan — Pedigree of Sher- 
man Morgan — Vermont Black Hawk, pedigree and history — Ethan 
Allen, his pedigree and history — Daniel Lambert, the great sire of 
beautiful roadsters and gentlemen's driving-horses — Daniel Lam- 
bert's table of honor as a sire of speed, ■ 60 

CHAPTER VII. 

MORGAN HORSES -Continued. 

Woodbury Morgan — Royal Morgan — Morgan Csesar — Green Mountain 
Morgan — Morgans for stage purposes — Morgan horses for cavalry 
service — Morgans adapted to rough and hilly roads of New England 

— Morgans as trotters — Ripton — Last Message of Ethan Allen, . 72 

CHAPTER VIII. 
RYSDYK'S HAMBLETONIAN. 

History and pedigree — The Charles Kent Mare — Imp. Belfounder — 
Abdallah the sire of Hambletonian — Hambletonian's Stud Career — 
Great Value of Horses sired by Hambletonian — Hambletonian's sons 
of renown, 82 

CHAPTER IX. ' 
ALEXANDER'S ABDALLAH. 

Pedigree and early history — Potency in speed for generations — Sprague's 
Hambletonian one of his best sons — Sprague's Hambletonian sire of 
Gov. Sprague — Alexander's Abdallah in motion 90 



CONTENTS. 7 

CHAPTER X. 
THE ELECTIONEERS. 

Electioneer, the greatest trotting sire of tlie world — Superior to his sire in 
beauty of form and style of movement — Fully developed and natural 
trotter — Put to severe test by crossing on thoroughbreds — Marvin's 
description of Electioneer — Ability to get early and extreme speed — 
Electioneer's list of performers and dams of performers, . . .93 

CHAPTER XI. 
THE BASHAWS AND CLAYS. 

Grand Bashaw, an Imp. Arabian, the founder of the families — Young 
Bashaw, the founder of the Bashaw family of American trotters — An- 
drew Jackson, founder of the Clay family — Green's Bashaw — The 
Patchens, 106 

THE BLUE BULLS. 

Wilson's Blue Bull — His great success in the stud — Great progenitor of 
harness speed — List of trotters and dams of trotters sired by Blue 
Bull, 106 

CHAPTER XII. 
THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 

As a breed — Component parts constituting the breed — Establish the 
American thoroughbred trotter — The American trotter as he should 
be bred — Breed for beauty, brains, and business — Breeding the trot- 
ter a progressive science — The American Trotter an American pro- 
duction — Chance trotters — Racing in early days — Connecticut the 
first State to produce the trotter — The trotting horse Yankee — The 
two-minute horses, 117 

CHAPTER XIII. 
CLEVELAND BAY. 

Their origin and especial merits — As now bred — The demand in this 
country, 125 

FRENCH COACH HORSE. 

The Government studs of France — The wonderful knee action of the 
French Coach horse — Color, 128 

CHAPTER XIV. 
THE PERCHERON HORSE. 

Breed divided into three classes — Percheron, son of the Arabian — As a 

draft horse — Road qualities of the Percheron, 135 

ENGLISH DRAFT OR SHIRE HORSE. 

Origin and history — Disposition — Importers, 137 

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE. 

Introduced into Scotland in the 13th century— Clydesdale Society of 

America — Importers, 139 



8 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XV. 
SHETLAND PONIES. 

The Shetland Isles — Sustained by the survival of the fittest — The purest 
of all breeds of ponies, 141 

CHAPTER XVI. 
HORSE BREEDING. 

Principles of Breeding — Breeding a scientific study — ^^ Nature's great law 

— Breed for a purpose — Selection of the breed — Choice of the sire 

— Breed best mares only — Intelligence, beauty, and disposition very 
essential elements, 145 

CHAPTER XVII. 
SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 

Importance of starting right — Selecting the stallion — Influence of the 
dam on the foal — Stallion for stock purposes should be out of the 
best mares of the breed — Best age for stallions, 151 

SELECTING THE BROOD MARE. 

Dams usually have more influence on foals than the sires — Unsound 

mares for breeders, 155 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. 

Box Stall — Paddock — Treat kindly — Avoid undue familiarity — Feed 
regularly — Exercise — Avoid pampering' — Grassing — Winter ca-re 

— Carrots as food — Keep clear of vrorms — Controlling when in use, 159 

CHAPTER XIX. 
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 

Getting doubtful mares in foal — Eternal vigilance price of success — The 
productive period — Period of gestation — Marking their foals — Use 
the brood mare — Stabling pregnant mares — Wheat middlings as 
food — Enlargement of the abdomen — Attention at foaling time — 
Jealous mothers, 164 

CHAPTER XX. 
MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 

Care of young foals — Getting to nurse — Evacuation of the bowels — In- 
jections — Feeding the foal — Injured by heated milk from the dam 

— Raising by hand — Weaning — Scant feeding deplored — Caring for 
weanlings — Halter breaking — Oats as food — Handling — Breaking 
Foals — Naming the Colt, 171 

CHAPTER XXI. 
BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

Speed one of tlie most attractive features — Only a small portion trot fast 

— Breed for beauty, size, style, and action — Demand for first-class 
roadsters and gentlemen's drivers always in advance of supply — 



CONTENTS. 9 

Easier to breed beauty than speed — The standard craze — The French 
ahead of Americans as regards general horse breeding — Selecting 
breeding stock — American Trotter the most modern breed — Color 

— Rysdyk's Hambletonian and his best sons — Mambrino Chief' — 
Blue Bull — Early foals preferable — Good care important, . . 177 

CHAPTER XXII. 
OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

Topgallant — Ripton — Lady Suffolk — Flora Temple — Ethan Allen — 
Geo. M. Patchen — Geo. Wilkes — Goldsmith Maid — American Girl 

— Betting on races — Dutchman — Americus — Columbus — Lady 
Suffolk, In Memoriam, 189 

CHAPTER XXIIL 
FLORA TEMPLE. 

Pedigree and place of breeding — Sale to Wm. H. Congdon for $13 at 4 
years old — Her sale to Jonathan Vielee — Sale to Geo. E. Perrin of 
New York city — Her first race (in 1850) — Her peculiar race against 
Whitehall, Delaware Maid, Napoleon, and Hiram — Her races in 1853 
' —Her sale in 1852 for $1,000 — Her 21 races in 1853 — Flora's great 
race against Lancet for $3,000 — Flora's sale in 1858 for $8,000 — Her 
best race of her life was in 1860 against Geo. M. Patchen when she 
won three straight heats by a throatlatch — Flora's last race was in 
1861 — Flora was confiscated to the U. S. government in 1861 — Sold 
in 1864 for $8,000 when 19 years old, 199 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
ETHAN ALLEN. 

Color and description — Breeding — A natural-born trotter — Eighteen 
years on the trotting turf — His great race against Dexter in 1867 — 
Crowned King of the Morgans — King of all trotting stallions of his 
day — His success in the stud — His death in 1876 — Ethan Allen, 
In Memoriam, 209 

■ GOLDSMITH MAID. 

Her breeding and pedigree — Sold at 8 years for $350 — Her purchase by 
Alden Goldsmith — Sold in 1^70, when 13 years old, for $35,000 — 
Her races in 1871 — In 1874 she lowered the trotting record of the 
world to 2:14 — Trotted in 2:14 at 20 years old — Retired to the 
breeding stud in 1876 — Goldsmith Maid, In Memoriam, . . . 211 

CHAPTER XXV. 
GEORGE M. PATCHEN. 

Foaled 1849 — Pedigree — Distanced by Ethan Allen 1858 — Unfinished 
race with Flora Temple in 1859 — Defeated Ethan Allen in 1860 — 
His last race 1860 with Flora Temple — Died in 1864 — Sire of the 
campaigners Geo. M. Patchen, Jr., and Lucy 215 



10 CONTENTS. 

GEORGE WILKES. 

Founder of the Wilkes family — Pedigree — Raised by hand — First 
trotted under name of Robt. Fullingham — Defeated Ethan Allen, 
1862, winning $10,000 — Defeated Lady Thorne in 1868 — His record 
2:22 made 1868— Died in Kentucky in 1882, aged 26 years — Roll of 
honor, 216 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
DEXTER. 

Place of breeding and pedigree — Recognized "king of the trotting turf" 

— Commenced turf career in 1864 and ended in 1867 — Timed a sep- 
arate mile in 2:16 in his great race with Ethan Allen — Gen. Grant's 
ride after Dexter — Died in 1888 at 30 years, 221 

AMERICAN GIRL. 

Pedigree and birth — Her sale for $3,500 — Won many thousand dollars in 

races — Died in harness — Monument erected to her memory, . . 223 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
THE FIVE GREAT TROTTING BROOD MARES OF THE WORLD. 

Green Mountain Maid : Dam of nine in 2:30 list — Two in 2:20 — 
One in 2: 20| — Dam of the great Electioneer, with 1.55 trotters in the 
list — Pedigree, 226 

Beautiful Bells : Pedigree — Dam of seven in 2:30 list — Dam of six- 
teen foals, 227 

Miss Russell: Pedigree — Dam of nineteen foals — Dam of Maud S., 
2:08|, etc. — Canadian blood mingled with thoroughbred in ped- 
igree, . • 227 

Dolly : Pedigree — Dam of three great sires — Dam of Czarina — Object 

lesson for breeders, 228 

Alma Mater : Pedigree — Dam of eight 2:30 trotters — Dam of Alcan- 
tara — Threw trotters to six different stallions, 228 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
BREAKING AND TRAINING COLTS. 

Educate vs. breaking — First lessons to teach — Bitting — Teach " whoa " 

— Give short lessons — Reward good behavior — Hitching double — 
Patience required — Kicking — Shying — Confidence — Training for 
draft — Train in line, 229 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
TRAINING FOR SPEED. 

High-bred and high-mettled most easily educated — Give lessons on track, 
street, or road — Early development of speed — Watch temper and 
disposition — Short brushes recommended — Don't overwork — Skel- 
eton wagon — The mouth — Pulling — The check, .... 236 



CONTENTS. 11 

CHAPTER XXX. 
TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 

Old English method — Biting, kicking, and balking — Patience and firm- 
ness required — Causes of balking — The cord — Isolation for balkers 

— Kicking in harness — Checking — Biting, Rarey's method of curing 

— War Bridle — Pulling on the halter — Shying — Pawing in stall, . 242 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
TRAINING CIRCUS HORSES. 

Height of perfection in training — Skillful education — Mild treatment 
best — Sensible to applauds of the audience — High prices of well- 
trained ring-horses, 353 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 

Value of different foods — Neatness and cleanness — Change of food nec- 
essary — Treat kindly — Indian corn — Watering — Overfeeding — 
Corn meal — Flax seed — Roots — Light and ventilation — Blankets, 256 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
MANAGEMENT OFTEAMS ON THE FARM AND ON THE ROAD. 

Don't rush in the morning — Good vs. poor teamsters — Don't yell — 
Don't swear — Noon feed — Groom properly — Food — Blankets, etc , 262 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 
MANAGEMENT QF ROAD AND DRIVING HORSES. 

Start out moderate — Long distance driving — Water frequently — Check- 
ing — Hitching to buggy — Whip — Feeding on the road — Short dis- 
tance driving — Have reins well in hand, . . . . . . 266 

CHAPTER XXXV. 
HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 

Author as a judge in races — The trainer — The driver — The swipe — 
Big-head — Early vs. Late Training — Toe weights — Jogging — The 
Mouth — Stabling — Treating a warm horse — Time to succeed, . 271 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 
BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 

Requisite qualification — Location — Suavity — Expert on horses — Buy- 
ing for the market — Showing sale horses — The coachman, . . 281 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 
SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

Author's experience in trade — Brighton Market — Swapping with a 
minister — Putting off for slight faults — My neighbor's horse-trade 

— Getting a fitty one, ' . . . 289 



12 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY THE TEETH. 

Description of teeth at different ages — Number of a full set — Classes — 
Bishoping — Explanatory cuts — Shedding — Full mouth — General 
signs of old age — Comparative age of man and horse — Great age of 
horses — Zoologists' claim, 300 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 
THE LANGUAGE AND SAGACITY OF THE HORSE. 

Author's experiences — Old Dobbin — Nellie Bly — Lady Barebones — 
Fanny Fern — Cora Linn — Fanny Kenyon — Maggie Dimon — Bel- 
mont Maid — Golden Rule — Ruf us Molburn's Mare, . . . 308 

CHAPTER XL. 
GRAY HORSES. 

The White Turk — Places White Turk — Imported Messenger — Harris' 
Hambletonian — Gray Eagle — Crack regiment of the British army — 
On the American turf — Kitty Bayard — Emma B. — Joe Brown — 
Miss Russell — Pilot Medium 316 

EXHIBITION OF HORSES. 

The first National in Springfield, Mass., in 1853, 319 

CHAPTER XLI. 
THE HORSE'S FOOT. 

The Wall — The Sole — The Frog — The Bars — Coffin-bone — Pedal 
bone 320 

SHOEING HORSES. 

First introduced into England, A.D. 1060 — Public shoers should be re- 
quired by law to understand the business — Injuries by bad shoeing 
numerous — Leveling and balancing — No foot, no horse — Never 
pare the sole or frog — Fit the shoe to the foot — The clip — Use of 
the rasp in shoeing — Fiber shoes, 324 

CHAPTER XLII. 
THE CHECK REIN. 

Taut checking injurious — The Over-draw check — Study the natural 
beauty of the horse — Stumbling, 332 

CHAPTER XLIII. 
A BRIEF HISTORY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE. 

Necessity the mother of invention — First veterinary school of the world, 

Lyons, France, 1761— First in England, 1795 336 

QUACK MEDICINES. 

Generally well advertised — Opinionated grooms — Veterinary quacks, . 340 



CONTENTS. 13 

CHAPTER XLIV. 
GIVING MEDICINE. 

Medicine best in balls — Dimon's Spavin Cure — Dimon's Colic Remedy 

— Dimon's Black Oil — Liniments — Ointment — Salve — Dimon's 
Liniments — Dimon's Condition powders — Dimon's Leg-vpash, . . 345 

SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES. 

The Pulse — The Ears — Membrane of the nose — Eyes — Mouth — 
Breathing — Skin — Flanks — Drooping of the head — Lying down 

— Pointing with nose and foot, 348 

CHAPTER XLV. 
HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

Bone Spavin — Bronchitis — Brittle Hoof — Blindness — Blistering — 
Bots — Cataracts — Contraction of Hoof — Colic — Capped Hock — 
Curbs — Cough — Corns — Distemper — Diarrhoea — Drying the 
Sweat — Fever — Fistula — Founder — Fits — G-alls — Glanders, . 351 

CHAPTER XLVI. 
HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM- Continued. 

Heaves — Inflammations — Indigestion — Lameness — Lampas — Lung 
Fever — Lice — Locked Jaw — Mange — Proud Flesh — Pleuro 
Pneumonia — Poll Evil — Quitor — Roaring — Ringbone — Scratches — 
Stumbling — Shoe Boil — Slavering — Seatons — Strains — Sprains 

— Surfeit — Splint — Stocking — String Halt — Sweeney — Thrush — 
Tumors — Tail Rubbing — Thick Water — Thoroughpin — Thumps 

— Wind Galls — Worms, 375 

CHAPTER XLVII. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 

Gentlemen horsemen — To become famous — Castration — Conditioning 

— To administer chloroform — ^ Significance of the Bay color — Dock- 
ing — Warranty — Runaway to stop — Trotting standard — Pacing 
standard — Rules for laying out tracks — Rules of admission, . . 400 

CHAPTER XLVIII. 
The World's Fastest Records — Fastest Records, All ways of going — 
Breeding of the fastest horses — Tables of fastest records, . . 411 

APPENDIX. 

Giving names, description, characteristics, etc., of upwards of one hun- 
dred of the author's most noted horses — Author's concluding re- 
marks, etc., 435 



IE"DEX TO ILLUSTEATIOl^S. 



Age as shown by Teeth, 301-304 

Agricola, 137 

American Trotter, . , 265 

Arabian Horse, 35 

Author, Frontispiece. 

Bayard, 236 

Black Hawk, . . . ., 117 

Blue Bull, . . 108 

Canadian Horse, . 55 

Check Reins, 332-334, 406 

Clamps for Castration, 403 

Cleveland Bay Horse, . . . . 125 

Clydesdale Stallion, 139 

Contracted Foot, 323 

Corn Illustrated, . . 364 

Daniel Lambert, 177 

Dentition and Age Illustrated, 301-304 

DiMON, John, . . . . . . . .• . Frontispiece. 

Disease {Illustrated Cuts), 352, 344, 368 

DocKLNG {Three Cuts), 406 

English Shire Horse, 137 

Ethan Allen, 209 

Flora Temple .199 

Foot Contracted, 323 

Foot Showing Corn, 364 

Foot ready for Shoe, . . . ' 325 

French Coach Horse, . . . _ . ' 128 

General, 281 

Green Mountain Morgan, 145 

Green Mountain Maid, 225 

Group of Shetland Ponies, 171 

Goldsmith Maid, 211 

Hambletonian, 81 

Horse Illustrated, 336, 368 

Hocks Illustrated 363 

Imported Messenger, 43 

Intact, 128 

Ishmael Pacha 35 

Justin Morgan, 59 

(15) 



16 INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 

La Canadienne 65 

La Ferte, 135 

Lady Suffolk, 195 

Leg, Showing Arteries, etc., 353 

Leg, Showing Pastern, etc. 354 

Marmion, 125 

Messenger, 43 

Motion 271 

Overdraw Check, 333-334, 406 

Pasterns, etc 354 

Percheron 256 

Percheron Stallion, Imp. La Ferte, 135 

Prince Rudolph 139 

Profile op head and face, 305 

RoBT. McGregor, 141 

Romulus, 25 

Rysdyk's Hamhletonian, 81 

Satellite, 151, 265 

Sherman Morgan, 72 

Shetland Ponies, 171 

Shetland Stallion, 141 

SiCELETON of THE HoRSE, 336 

Spavin {Illustrated) 351 

Sound Foot ready for Shoe, . 325 

Stockton King, 93 

Teeth showing Age, 301-304 

The Author Frontispiece. 

The Check-rein, 332-334, 406 

Typical Morgan Horse, 145 

Under Surface of Foot, 323 

Victoria, 163 

Vermont Black Hawk, 117 



PREFACE 



IN presenting this book to the public, I wish to say that I 
have no hobby or pet theory to advertise, but have striven 
to give, in a condensed form, all that I know of this noble and 
useful animal, the horse, after having made him a study for 
more than half a century ; embracing what I have learned of 
him from history, both verbal and written, and from observa- 
tion and experience, as well. 

This said experience embraces a period of nearly sixty 
years ; during which time I have ridden, driven, worked, bred, 
handled, trained, bought, sold, traded, castrated, and doctored, 
perhaps no less than five thousand animals. I have owned and 
handled for stock purposes some quite good stallions, and in all 
cases of a quality to materially improve the horse stock of the 
section in which they stood for service. 

I have been personally acquainted with many of the most 
noted horsemen of America for the last forty years, and knew 
most of the old time notable trotters; but after all, as my 
friend, the late Dr. Levi Herr, once said : " The practical and 
experienced, as well as the aged horsemen and breeders, are 

under the tuition of professional lawyers, such as ," 

naming several of that time, — "who have learned more by 
studying law on horsemanship, breeding, training, etc., than 
we who have made a life study of the same. They have sud- 
denly jumped their professions and are now professors of breed- 
ing, training, and horsemanship in full." 

My own experience with horses, in both the United States 
and Canada, embraces castration, conditioning, and many years 
of general veterinary practice which has proven very success- 
ful, and I believe in all cases satisfactory to my patrons. Still, 
I am not a professional veterinary surgeon, sporting a diploma ; 
neither am I a professional driver in races. I have bred many 

3 (17) 



18 PREFACE. 

good and fast roadsters with breeding good enough for fast 
records, yet I have never entered a horse in a trotting race for 
money or bet on the results of a horse race in my life. 

We measure genius not merely by a man's social status but 
by the "emjDire of his ideas," the results which they enforce 
and the benefits which inure through them to the world. I 
have had a long-cherished wish to be in some way a benefactor 
to my country, and believe by giving to the breeding public 
my views founded on so many years of study, observation, and 
practical experience, I can best accomplish that end. 

I virtually commenced this book in 1866 (some 28 years 
ago). I have been greatly assisted in this work, as to inform- 
ation, etc., and especially as to the true pedigree of Justin 
Morgan, by such gentlemen as the Messrs. McClellan of Wood- 
stock, Conn, (father, uncle, and cousins of the late Gen. Geo. 
B. McClellan), and other gentlemen of Connecticut and Massa- 
chusetts. 

Should I attempt to narrate one-half of what has been told 
me by such venerable horsemen, or to produce one-quarter of 
my correspondence with such persons, that matter Avould of 
itself make a book double the size of this ; consequently, I con- 
fine myself to the facts gathered as being of more importance 
to my readers than to oblige them to wade through tlie waters 
that I have passed through in order to gather them. 

As to the illustrations contained herein, I have endeavored 
to give the true likeness of a few of the most noted horses 
mentioned, and that of myself, the author, thinking that these 
may be both interesting and instructive to my readers ; but 
have refrained from tilling up the book with illustrations for- 
eign to the object of the work for the sake of making an 
unnecessarily large and high-priced book. 

I have been too much of an investigator and too liberal in 
my views to get rich in this world, but have endeavored to so 
live that after my death my children might feel proud of being 
the sons and daughters of 

JOHN DIMON. 



INTRODUOTIOR 



ONE of the first questions naturally asked by the would- 
be purchaser and reader of this book will be : " Who 
is Dimon, and what does he know about horses? Is he a prac- 
tical horseman, oi^a mere theorist like so many others, who, in 
their eagerness to teach, have so long attempted to teach that 
of which they knew so little ? " 

This country, for years past, has been literally flooded with 
" horse literature," some of which has been of a character that 
will require years of careful teaching to unteach what it has 
taught. 

"Well, who is Dimon, the author of this book?" It is 
John Dimon, born on Mount Hope Farm, Bristol, K. I., near 
the spot where that great Indian warrior, the chief of the Nar- 
ragansetts, — King Philip, — wks captured. Born in 1828; his 
ancestors were natural horsemen, one of whom was the founder 
of a breed of horses in this country, known as the Narragan- 
sett Pacer. This ancestor was an Englishman, and belonged 
to one of the oldest horse-breeding and horse-loving families of 
England at the time of the improvement of the English horse 
by the introduction of the Arabian and Barb blood in the days 
of the reign of Queen Anne. 

'' Well, is John Dimon, the author of this book, capable of 
teaching the world as regards the horse?" From his earliest 
recollection the author was an ardent admirer of live stock in 
general, and the horse m particular. Memory recalls the time 
when but five years old his favorite child's playthings were 
feathers of fowls and birds, which he, in his childish imagina- 
tion, designated as horses and cattle of different classes, accord- 
ing to their shape, etc. For picture books, those containing 

(19) 



20 INTRODUCTION, 

the pictures of horses and other animals were the ones most 
desirable. 

From that time on he has ever been a keen observer, a deep 
thinker, a practical caretaker, handler, breeder, dealer, trainer, 
and doctor, of this, to him, the most favorite animal of the 
world, the horse ; and in giving to others this life-long experi- 
ence, it seems clearly evident that he Wiust be capable of teach- 
ing, and that his teachings, as presented in this book, cannot 
be otherwise than instructive and profitable. 



AUTHOE'S EEMAEKS. 



AS acknowledgments received of my knowledge of horses 
and my ability to judge, care for, and give instructions 
relative to, at different periods, I will mention a few, as perhaps 
not being out of place here. 

In 1855, when a young man of twenty-seven years, I was 
unanimously appointed a judge of horses in the stallion class 
at the United States Agricultural Society's Fair, held in Bos- 
ton, Mass., and where Ethan Allen and many other noted stal- 
lions of that day were exhibited. 

At the outbreak of the civil war in America, in 1861, I was 
offered a lieutenant's commission to go out with the First 
Rhode Island Cavalry, as general superintendent of horses of 
that cavalry. 

In 1870, on the occasion of acting as mounted escort to the 
President of the United States, Gen. G-rant, on his memorable 
Fourth of July visit to Woodstock, Conn., as the guest of 
Henry C. Bowen, of the New York Independent, at a halt on 
our line of march from Putnam to "Woodstock, I was intro- 
duced to President Grant by Mr. Bowen, as being one of the 
enterprising young men of Windham county. The President 
remarked that I was mounted on a good animal which he 
would wager was a Morgan. Mr. Bo wen's reply was: "Mr. 
Dimon is considered one of the best horsemen in this State, 
and if he rides a poor horse it is not for want of judgment in 
selecting," 

In 1872, during the time of the great wide-spread epidemic 
among horses called "epizootic," which for a time prostrated 
nearly all the horses in the country, and which proved fatal to 
so many, I had under my charge no less than twenty good ones, 

(21) 



22 author's remarks. 

representing at that time not less than ten thousand dollars, 
among which was the imported thoroughbred stallion, Hamp- 
ton Court, and other notables of that period, which were all 
more or less affected by the disease. I was my own doctor 
and saved them all ; and, what is more, they all recovered 
sound, while so many throughout the land that survived at 
all were more or less worthless ever after. 

In 1880 I served on committee of stallions at the State Fair 
of Kentucky, going from Connecticut for the purpose, and at 
the greatest stallion exhibition Kentucky had ever made up to 
that time. 

In 1881 I served the IS'ew England Agricultural Society as 
chairman of committee on mares and colts, and all geldings 
and fillies, at their greatest fair ever held in Worcester, Mass. 

Another great compliment of my life was to be told in 
writing by the President of a Farmer's Institute, in Canada, on 
the occasion of being invited by the Institute to read a paper 
on horses before them at their winter meeting of 1886, in the 
city of Hamilton, Ontario : " But few men in Canada are com- 
petent to handle this subject at all, and perhaps no man in 
Ontario as capable as yourself ; and all the executive commit- 
tee would esteem it a personal favor if you could kindly grant 
our request." 

Again, on the occasion of my reading a well-received paper 
before the Indiana Horse Breeder's Convention in the cit}" of 
Indianapolis, in 1893, the "horse papers" spoke of me as a 
"venerable horseman, well versed in ancient horse history." 

If not as well versed in modern as ancient horse history, it 
is not for lack of study, observation, and a desire to keep up 
with the times. I know that proffered knowledge is often of- 
fensive, and in horses and horse breeding particularly so ; and 
the man who dares advocate what he knows to be true, but 
unknown to others, must have strong moral courage with 
actual knowledge. 



author's remarks. 23 

THE PLAN OF THE BOOK. 

The object of the author in planning this book was to have 
it so arranged that the breeder, farmer, teamster, liveryman, 
horse student, and, in fact, anyone desirous of obtaining yiform- 
ation of any kind concerning the horse, whether in relation 
to his breeding and the different breeds, or to feeding, training, 
shoeing, doctoring, use, and general management, can readily 
find the information desired so arranged under its proper head- 
ings as to be easily come-at-able. 

In treating of diseases and their remedies, the author has 
endeavored to use the English language void of technicalities, 
and made as plain and easily understood as possible. Perhaps 
not so plain that "he who runs may read; and the wayfaring 
man, though a fool, may not err therein," but so plain that the 
average farmer and the average farmer's son may find and 
readily understand the desired information sought in relation 
to any subject connected with the horse from long before his 
advent into the world on to the time of his death. A horse 
text-book, in fact, relating to all subjects connected with the 
horse, from his earliest history down through all ages to the 
present time. 

The horseman's everyday book, which may be profitably 
consulted every day in the year. The standard authority on 
horses, embracing all knowledge necessary for the instruction 
of the breeder, owner, and student, but not entering into 
racing and race records, except in individual cases, as connected 
with breeding, and to give the world's fastest records in all 
ways of going and the fastest trotting and pacing of animals 
of all ages from one to five years to January 1, 1895. 



CHAPTEE I. 

THE HORSE. 

Embracing his birthplace — Earliest history — Advent into America — Cli- 
matic influence and food — Greek mythology claiming immortality — 
First horse dealer — Wild horses of America — Origin, habits, etc. — 
Origin of the Indian pony, bronco, and mustang — Breeds — Skill re- 
quired in breeding — Classification of breeds. 

TO write a history of the horse is like writing the history 
of kings, and in many instances the history of kings 
and rulers, in both ancient and modern times, is closely inter- 
woven with that of the horse. 

As to the special country that can, by right, claim the 
proud honor of being the birthplace of this noble animal, we 
must accept some indirect — though quite reasonable — testi- 
mony, fixing Africa as his original l;ome, Africa, alone, being 
the parent country of the Zebra and Quagga, in many respects 
his kin; although Egypt is the country in which mention is 
first made of him some 3,600 years ago. 

The earliest monumental records of Egypt which give any 
clue to the use of the horse are about 1900 years B. C, where 
he is pictured as drawing chariots used in war. From the 
writings of early Greek historians it is evident that horses 
have been used in Greece since about that time, so that we 
have quite a connected history of the horse for about 3,800 
years. 

The Bible, being the most ancient, and perhaps the most 
authentic, of all existing ancient histories, fails to mention the 
horse until the reign of Pharaoh as King of Egypt. Although 
in the history of Abraham we find frequent mention of the 
ass, the camel, of flocks and herds, of oxen and sheep, yet no 
allusion to the horse is made until the time of Joseph, the 

(25) 



26 THE HORSE. 

Syrian, who, as Pharaoh's manager in the time of the great 
Egyptian famine 1707 years B. C, exchanged bread-stuff for 
liorses with the Egyptian cultivators and stock breeders, thus 
placing himself on record as the first horse dealer in history. 
At the death of Joseph's father, Jacob, we read that his 
funeral was attended by both chariots and horsemen. Job's 
description of the equine monarch upwards of 3,400 years ago 
is familiar to most of us. 

Although man was given " dominion over all beasts of the 
field" it was only after long acquaintance and trial that the 
horse was subdued to his will. At first he was only driven 
before the war chariot ; later, he was ridden in battle and ap- 
pears to have been speedily adopted for use in battle, and since 
which time, during all these 3,385 years, the war horse has 
been the right arm of a mighty power on hard contested bat- 
tle fields of nearly all nations and in nearly all climes. The 
first account we have of horses being used in war was by one 
of the Pharaohs, King of Egypt, when he pursued the children 
of Israel in their escape from Egyptian bondage, with 

"A thousand horse and men to ride, 
With flowing tail and flying mane ; 
A thousand horse, the wild, the^^free, 
All buried in the deep, Red Sea." 

This chariot cavalry goes on record as the first in history 
and with very disastrous results, 1,491 years B. C, or 3,385 
years ago. 

The shepherd kings of Egypt, whose origin is unknown, 
introduced him into Lower Egypt, which afterwards became 
his principal breeding district, from whence he gradually be- 
came introduced into Arabia and other Asiatic countries. 

The first we know of his advent into the Xew World, and 
the first importation into America for stock purposes was by 
Columbus in 1493 — some four hundred years ago — thus plac- 
ing Columbus on record as the first importer of this animal 
into this country. 

The first horses ever landed in the United States were im- 



THE HORSE. 27 

ported to Florida in 1527 by Cabeza de Vaca, but of this im- 
portation — 42 in number — none survived. 

The next importation was by De Soto from Spain, and to 
wliicli importation is doubtless attributed the origin of the 
wild horse of Texas and the prairies,^r a race of horse which 
are to this day strongly marked with the characteristics of the 
Spanish blood. 

In 1608 the French introduced horses into Canada, where 
the present race of Canadian horses, though degenerated in 
size owing to climatic influences, still show sufficiently distinct 
the blood of the Norman and Brittain breeds. 

In 1609 there was a small importation of six horses and one 
stallion from England to Jamestown, Va., where in 1657 the 
importance of increasing the stock of this valuable animal 
became of such recognized importance that an act was passed 
prohibiting its exportation. 

'New York received its first importation of horses in 1625^ 
imported from Holland by the Dutch West India Company. 
They were of the Flanders breed, from which descended the 
Conestoga horse of Pennsylvania. 

In 1629 the plantations of Massachusetts Bay received its 
first importation of horses from England. 

The wild horses of the plains of South America and of the 
great prairies of ]N"orth America are undoubtedly descendants 
of parents turned loose by the Spanish at the abandonment of 
Buenos Ayres in 1775. 

Another opportunity for such an origin was furnished in the 
"bloody wars" of Mexico and Peru, the issues of which, in 
many cases, were disastrous to the Spaniards. Consequently, 
the war horses whose riders were slain could have made a 
break for liberty, and rapidly propagated their species on the 
vast, luxuriant plains, so well provided by Nature with food^ 
water, genial climate, and the absence of beasts of prey with 
power to contend with so formidable an enemy. 

De Soto also had a large cavalry in his expedition in which 
he discovered the Mississippi Kiver and found a grave in 



28 THE HORSE. 

its bosom; and when his men returned home in frail boats 
built by themselves, they undoubtedly left their horses behind 
them ; thus they too probably became a factor in the produc- 
tion of these once great and mighty herds of wild horses of the 
plains. 

In a state of nature the same uniformity that now charac- 
terizes the buffalo, the elk, and the deer families belonged to 
the horse. 

The ponderous English cart horse, the fleet runner, the fast 
trotter, and the diminutive pony are all descended from the 
same original type. Climatic influence and food have worked 
wonders in making the vast difference at present between the 
Shetland pony, occupying the bleak, barren, and tempestuous 
isles — lying in the latitude of 59 and 60 degrees — north of 
Scotland, scanty herbage, and long, cold winters have dwarfed 
the horses of that country to the most diminutive of all ponies, 
while from the same originals reared for centuries on the rich 
and nutritious herbage and grains of, and in the mild climate 
ten degrees further south on the European coast, we find the 
immense draft horses of Flanders and Normandy. 

While climatic and other influences have done so much 
to cause the divergence which now exists in races once uniform, 
selections by man have also been at work, in some cases co-op- 
erating with the influences of climate, thereby hastening the 
transformation in some cases and counteracting it in others. 

"We have an illustration of this in the horses of Canada. It 
is quite evident that if the causes that have given us the little, 
tough pony of the Province of Quebec were continued without 
interruption for a succession of generations, hastened on by 
selections of breeding stock with that object constantly in 
view, we would, in due course of time, have created a race as 
diminutive in size as the pony of the Shetland Isles. 

As has been said : " We find a very striking illustration of 
divergences from a type singularly uniform in the case of the 
domestic pigeon, of which there are nearly three hundred 



THE HORSE. 29 

varieties, all more or less distinct, and all descended from one 
common ancestry, the common wild pigeon." 

As my friend Agassiz once remarked at a meeting in 1864 : 

" There is a tendency in all animal life to adapt itself to the 
conditions under which it must live, but a change may be so 
abrupt and complete as to overcome this tendency, and under 
such condition the race would speedily become extinct, or 
gradually die out with a few generations of feeble descend- 
ants ; but under circumstances less sudden and unfavorable 
a few might survive, being those individuals that from peculi- 
arity of organism suffered less from the change. These, in 
their turn, would produce the peculiarities of their race modi- 
fied by the new surrounding conditions. These, again, would 
produce animals still better adapted to the new order of things, 
until, in course of time, we should have a race widely differing 
from the original type created — or evolved — by a ' survival 
of the fittest,' and remodeled and refashioned by these changed 
conditions of life." 

There is no class of domestic animals in which the effects of 
climate and food are more apparent than in the horse. Na- 
ture's law in the history of the world demonstrates that when- 
ever the horse has existed for centuries on rich and fertile 
plains and in temperate climates, he becomes distinguished for 
size and strength ; whenever he has been the inhabitant of cold 
and mountainous regions he becomes diminutive and hard}'-, if 
left largely to care for himself. Man may do much by supply- 
ing warm stables and abundant food, as well as by selection, to 
counteract the influence of climate ; but in spite of his inter- 
ference, the tendency will constantly be to adhere to Nature's 
great law in this respect. 

Mountainous regions and rigorous climate will produce the 
toughest and hardiest races of horses, as has been demonstrated 
in the New England Morgans and Canadian horses of our own 
country ; while our fertile prairies and luxuriant bottom lands 
and valleys are by Nature adapted as the home of the heavy 
draft horse. 



30 THE HORSE. 

The lesson taught by these illustrations is obvious : none of 
our improved breeds of horses, or other animals, are adapted 
to all climates or all conditions of life. To be at their best 
they must each be kept and cared for as nearly as possible 
under the same conditions, as to food and climate, as when 
they attained their greatest excellence. 

According to Greek mytholog}^, the horse was the gift 
of gods to men when Neptune struck the earth with his tri- 
dent ; and he was made immortal that he might bear his 
master company to that land beyond the dividing river. 

Congressman John E. Eussell of Massachusetts, when Sec- 
retary of the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture in 
1886, in a lecture before that body, goes on record as saying 
that the horse is the only beast that goes to Heaven. 

No other animal is, or can be so thoroughly adapted to the 
wants of man as the horse. For work or for pleasure he is the 
quick, ready, willing, intelligent, and capable servant of the 
human race. He enters with cheerfulness into the hardest of 
labor, carries man's heaviest burdens, hauls his huge loads, 
breaks up his tough lands, cultivates his crops, markets his 
produce, etc. ; or in administering to our pleasures he is the 
same unfailing friend. 

The business man, the sporting man, and the man of leisure 
alike go to the horse for their recreation. Entering with the 
keenest zest into the excitement of the speed ring, he furnishes 
by far the most popular sport of the age. In the shafts, at 
the pole, or under the saddle, he gladly rests and refreshes 
the worried brain-worker, the imprisoned merchant, and the 
wearied farmer. He is alike subservient to the child and the 
adult, to the gentler or to the sterner sex, refusing no service 
which his herculean strength will enable him to perform. 

The horse stock of the United States has continued to 
increase in numbers and value, until now, according to the 
government tax returns for 1893, they amount to $769,221,799, 
which, no doubt, means to represent a purchasing power of not 
less than a cool $1,000,000,000. 



WILD HORSES OF AMERICA. 31 

WILD HORSES OF AMERICA. 

The Wild Horses of America have probably no earlier an- 
cestry in this country than the dates of the Spanish explorers. 
There seems to have been no horses here before the discovery 
of Colmnbus in 1492. There is no evidence that the horse 
existed in America before Columbus's time, although fossil 
remains of some early animal of the horse species have been 
found, but concerning which little appears to have been known. 
According to generally received authority, Columbus, on his 
second voyage to this country, brought over a number of 
borses in order that they might be bred here. 

The Spaniards in their later incursions brought over a num- 
ber of Avar horses, and De Soto, in his exploits, wherein he 
discovered the Mississippi River, had a heavy force of cavalry, 
that, after their leader was drowned and when his followers 
returned home, were set loose and abandoned to their fate; 
many of which doubtless survived and were the origin of the 
Wild Horse of Texas and the Prairies. 

Horses thus abandoned by the early discoverers and settlers 
were, in time, used by the Indians, and to such may be traced 
the Mustang of to-day, whose habits, in the wild state, were 
well worth studjdng, for in some particulars they possessed 
almost human intelligence. 

They chose their own chief, which ruled and governed them 
in an intelligent manner, giving the signal for change of 
pasture and of danger from any source. When they find a 
pasture dried up they take up a line of march for " greener 
fields and pastures new," the chief taking the lead of the 
column, and who is the first to throw himself into a ravine, a 
river, or an unknown wood. If any extraordinary object 
appears, the chief commands a halt. He then goes to discover 
what it is, and on his return gives by neigh the signal of confi- 
dence, of flight, or of combat. If a fierce enemy presents itself, 
that cannot be escaped by flight, the herd unite themselves into 
a circular cluster, all heads turned towards the center where 
the young animals take refuge. It is seldom that such a 



33 WILD HORSES OF AMERICA. 

maneuver does not force the bears, tigers, or mountain lions to 
make a precipitate retreat. 

The large herds generally composed of several thousand 
individuals, divide themselves into many families, each of 
which is formed of a male and a certain number of mares and 
foals that follow and obey the male with docility. The chief 
horse is exclusive sultan, all the mares belong to him by right 
of force, and woe to the foolhardy one that disputes \vltli him 
his seraglio and authority ; he defies him, fights him, makes 
him retire, and sometimes makes him pay for his audacity by 
the loss of his life. 

Often the conqueror pardons his foe but might not be so 
generous could he foresee that his vanquished enemy was only 
going to wait until age had given him greater force and 
courage to renew the combat. 

Males frequently have fierce contest for the supremacy, and 
males that have contended unsuccessfully are often driven off 
to "a solitary life. On the appearance of danger, the chief 
stallion of a small herd seems to direct the movements of all, 
and even the larger herds — numbering in some instances thou- 
sands — seem instinctively to move in concert, so that when 
they are assailed the stronger animals oppose the enemy and 
protect the younger and weaker. Even hungry wolves when 
in packs attack with success only weakened stragglers, and 
even the jaguar is repelled. 

In fighting, horses either raise themselves on their hind feet 
and bring down their fore feet with great force on the enemy» 
or, wheeling about, kick violently with the hind feet. The 
teeth are also used as powerful weapons of warfare. 

When the chief becomes old and loses his vigor he then 
succumbs under the kicks and blows of his rival or dies from 
misery and shame; and thus, "the survival of the fittest" is. 
continually perpetuated. 

Those American Wild Horses known by the name of Mus- 
tangs, Bronchos, and Indian Ponies, as has been stated, are 
direct descendants of the Spanish breed of horses and, un- 



BREEDS. 33 

doubtedly, of the best horses of Spain at the time of their 
importation. They have been perpetuated until recently 
without the intermixture of foreign or new blood. Being left 
wholly to themselves in a state of nature without the inter- 
ference of man, they have, despite of all enemies and hardships, 
held their own as a breed or race, relying wholly on nature's 
great law of "the survival of the fittest"; and to this day 
they still retain the color, style, and general character- 
istics of the Spanish horse, as found in Spain at the present 
time ; although, perhaps, in some instances, and especially so 
with those occupying the more northern and colder portions of 
our great "West, they are, as a whole, somewhat smaller than 
the original type of the Spanish horse. 

These ponies, as we call them, are, when taken in their wild 
state, and especially when somewhat up in years, rather hard 
to break or train for the uses of man, but when properly 
broken, are, as a rule, willing and faithful servants, and are 
generally as tough as whitleather. 

These ponies have occasionally been crossed with the im- 
proved breeds of our American horses with quite satisfactory 
results. 

BREEDS. 

What constitutes a breed ? A family of animals having a 
general resemblance in form, size, color or colors, a close affinity 
in quality of products, a similarity of disposition and habits, 
and the power to transmit all these so as to reduce the varia- 
tions to a very narrow minimum. 

In the successive steps required to produce a breed the gra- 
dations toward perfection are slow and very gradual ; there 
will be many instances of the peculiar qualities of the element- 
ary materials cropping out that are objectionable, and only 
after the most labored and painstaking selection of the fittest 
material for further production will the ideal be obtained. 
Consequently, the work of originating a useful breed is one of 
time, requiring more patience than most men are willing to 
bestow upon it ; but when they succeed in giving to the world 

3 



34 BREEDS. 

a new breed in any line that is useful, they are worthy of im- 
perishable remembrance, as large numbers of mankind partici- 
pate in the advantages derived from their painstaking efforts. 

When a fixity of type is obtained, with the corresponding 
peculiarities, the breed may be said to be established. There 
are stages when the promoters of a breed are liable to be 
assailed owing to the incompleteness of their work, and yet 
they may be on the highway to completion and success. 

It requires skill almost amounting to genius to build up any 
new breed of animals that shall have only the characteristics 
that are desired. It was said of Bakewell, one of the first 
great improvers of live stock in Great Britain, that he regarded 
the animals under his care as wax in his hands, out of which, 
in due time, he could mould any form he desired to create. 

Utility is the grand ultimatum by which the general public 
will judge of the merits of a breed. The science of horse 
breeding has developed special horses for special work, and no 
one breed or class can fill the requirement of the market de- 
mands for draft horses, coachers, saddlers, and racing or 
sporting horses. Hence, all breeds have theu^ own special 
adaptation of usefulness. 

The different breeds of horses recognized and treated of in 
this book are as follows : Arabian, Thoroughbred, Narragan- 
sett Pacer, French Canadian, the American Trotter (composed 
of several families), — Morgans, Hambletonians, Bashaws, 
Clays, etc., — French, Coach, Cleveland Bay, Shetland Pony. 

Of draft breeds : Percheron, English Draft, and Clydes- 
dale. Making eleven distinct breeds in all. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

Mahomet its founder — Foundation mares for Mahomet's stud — Beautiful 
points of the Arabian — Tlie Arabiaij the foundation of the Tliorough- 
bred liorse — Arabian blood in the Percheron, Morgan, and Narragan- 
sett pacer — Six distinct breeds in Arabia — History of the Lindsey's 
Arabian — Imported Grand Bashaw — Imported Ishmael Pasha — The 
Arabian in Kentucky — Difficulty of obtaining good specimens in 
Arabia. 

THE greater portion of Arabia is illy adapted to the rais- 
ing of good horses, and previous to the days of Mahomet 
horses were scarcely recognized as a part of the possessions of 
the Arab, their riches consisting chiefly in camels, oxen, sheep, 
and goats; but Mahomet was an enthusiastic lover of the 
horse, and it appears a thorough horseman, and while he 
succeeded in engrafting upon so large a portion of the Eastern 
world his own peculiar religious tenets, he also imbued his fol- 
lowers in a great degree with his enthusiastic admiration of the 
horse. Kindness to and love for this noble animal was made 
a part of the religious duty of all true followers of this great 
Oriental prophet. 

Mahomet, it appears, was not onlj^- a sanguine lover, but a 
great improver as well, of the horse, thus placing himself 
on record as the first successful breeder of blood horses in 
history. From the days of Mahomet down to the present 
time the Arab has held his stud, and especially his mares, in a 
sort of superstitious reverence. Mahomet, during his life, had 
accumulated for himself, by careful selection and breeding, the 
most magnificent stud in the whole known world ; and to this 
day his followers seek to trace the genealogy of their choicest 
stock to the mares that were his favorites. There is a tradition 

(35) 



36 THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

that the prophet, being desirous of selecting mares as a founda- 
tion for his stud, had a number of the best of them, which had 
been used as chargers in battle, kept two days without water. 
At the end of that time, when mad with thirst, they were set 
at liberty, and at the moment when they were close to the 
coveted water his trumpets sounded a war charge, which had 
such an effect on five of them that they abandoned the water 
and galloped to the spot where they expected to meet with the 
still greater excitement of war. These five were therefore 
selected to form the foundation of his stud, and from them 
sprang the race called "Kochlani". 

The Arabian horse of to day is endowed with beautiful 
points and with an accomplished figure and superlative action, 
surpassing in graceful movement the finest specimens of the 
equine race. His broad head and massive brain implies intelli- 
gence ; the eye is full and mild, yet sparkling with excitement 
when aroused to action. The great hereditary excellence of 
this fleet and wiry horse is sound feet and legs and the won- 
derful claims of ability to withstand rest and hunger which 
surpass the accredited limit of animal endurance. This enables 
him to endure long journeys across the sandy deserts, where 
food and water are scarce, sustained alone by his invincible 
courage. 

History points to the Arabian horse as the foundation of 
the English Thoroughbred race horse, which traces to the 
Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, etc. To the Arabian 
horse is also justly accredited the foundation of that most valu- 
able of all breeds for draft purposes where activit}^ and speed 
in its work is valued, the Percheron. We also find his blood 
at the fountain-head of what is destined to become the most 
popular of all breeds of the world — for light harness purposes 
— the trotting horse of America, which is descended from 
three great sources or families, and divided and subdivided 
into several other different families, all branches of which 
point to the Arabian as their fountain-head ; and now when 
we visit the most noted and celebrated stock farms of the 



THE ARABIAN HORSE. 37 

Western States, and in some sections of Canada, as well, and 
they ha^ve led out for our inspection their beautiful gray 
Percheron stallions, with their good hard feet and sinewy legs, 
their broad and intelligent heads, their fine ears and beautiful 
flowing tails and wavy manes, can we for a moment doubt 
that they trace their origin directly to this beautiful horse of 
the desert ? 

We also find a trace of his blood in the French Canadian 
horse of to-day, transmitted through his son, the Percheron 
horse of France. The Arabian horse also stood at the very 
head of the original pacing family of America, the ISTarra- 
gansett Pacer. (See Karragansett Pacer, Chapter lY.) 

It has been proven and established for ages in the old world 
that the best results have been obtained from Arabian ancestry. 
The great stronghold of the Arabian stallion is to improve any 
race or breed of horses with which he comes in contact ; and 
yet we have a breed of runners descended from him that can 
surpass him in speed over our courses and in our climate. We 
also have a breed of trotters whose qualities descend from the 
Arabian, that, with our American breeding and training, can 
far surpass him in speed at that gait ; and, also, the Percherons 
can out-draw him, yet, I claim that the best qualities of all of 
these came directly from the Arabian horse. 

The first Arabian stallion that gave the oriental character 
to the English horse was the Darley Arabian, so called from 
the fact of his having been purchased at Aleppo by an English 
merchant by the name of Darley. He was said to be of the 
desert breed although his precise lineage was never determined. 
He sired Flying Childers, a celebrated race horse so far superior 
to anything that had appeared in England that he created a 
great sensation and his exploits passed into history and gained a 
world renown and crowned his sire as monarch of the stud, 
by his wonderful speed and endurance. 

The pure Arabian is celebrated less for unrivalled swiftness 
than for extraordinary powers of endurance. Its usual paces, 
as used in Arabia, are but two — a quick Avalk, often averaging 



38 THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

four or five miles an hour, and a lialf running canter ; for only 
when pursued does a Bedouin put his horse to full speed. It is 
the distance they will travel in emergency, the weight they 
will carry, and the comparative trifle of food they require, 
which renders the Arabian hoi'se so valuable, especially so to the 
Arabs, in their land of stony mountains and sandy deserts. 

The rocky mountains and sunny valleys that temper the 
dry air of the deserts are supposed to have an influence upon 
the quality of bone and muscle, giving sound feet and legs to 
stand great speed and endurance. The Arabian horse, as im- 
proved and perfected by this first great artist in that line, Ma- 
homet, at the time of his death, was justly considered the primi- 
tive blood horse and the type horse of the world. There are in 
Arabia to-day, according to Ali Bey (an Arabian writer, who 
has had opportunities beyond the reach of ordinary writers), six 
distinct breeds of Arabs. 

"The first," he says, " named the Dgelfe, is found in Arabia 
Felix ; they are rare in Damascus but pretty common in the 
neighborhood of Anaze. They are remarkable for speed and 
fire, yet mild as lambs ; they support hunger and thirst for a 
long time, and are of lofty stature, etc. A colt of this breed, at 
two years old, will cost in his own country 2,000 piasters. 

"The second breed, called 'Seclaoni,' comes from the eastern 
part of the desert and resembles the Dgelfe of Anaze in 
appearance, but is not quite so highly valued. 

"Next comes the ' Mefki,' handsome, but not so swift as the 
two former-named breeds, and more resembling the Andalusian 
in figure. They are very common about Damascus. 

" Then the ' Sabi ' resembles the Mefki ; and the fifth breed, 
called ' Fridi,' is very common but it is necessar}^ to try them 
well for they are often vicious and do not possess the excellent 
qualities of the other breeds. 

" Sixth, comes 'Nejdi,' from the neighborhood of Bussorah, 
and if they do not surpass they at least equal the Dgelfe of 
Anaze and Seclaoni. Horses of this breed are little known at 



THE AJRABIAN HORSE. 39 

Damascus, and connoisseurs assert that they are incomparable ; 
thus, their value is arbitrary and always exceeds 2,000 piasters." 

This writer fails to make mention of " Kochlani," descended 
from the stud of Mahomet, who laid the foundation of Ara- 
bian pedigrees, but he undoubtedly used Seclaoni instead of 
Kochlani in his description of the different families of this 
breed. 

It is asserted by oriental travelers that pedigrees exist that 
can be traced 500 years back and in the highest breeds there is 
no doubt of that ; at present great care is taken and many 
ceremonies are performed at the covering of the mare. After 
the birth of the foal a certificate is always made out by the 
local authority and this must be done within seven days of its 
being dropped. 

The Arabian horse-breeder estimates the value of a horse 
by its breeding, and is very particular in his choice of a stallion, 
preferring to leave his mares unproductive rather than breed 
them to a common horse, and often travels many miles to find 
his ideal of a stallion; the owners of the best stallions, on 
tjie other hand, being quite as particular regarding the quality 
of the mare presented for service. 

It is said that the Bedouins, w^hen a horse is born, never 
allow it to drop to the ground, but receive and keep it for 
several hours upon their arms, washing it, stretching and 
strengthening its limbs, and hugging it like a baby. 

One of the most important of the earlier importations of 
the Arabian to America was that of the Lindsey Arabian im- 
ported to Connecticut about 1768. He has a remarkable 
history, as follows : 

In about 1767, for some important service rendered by the 
commander of a British frigate to a son of the Emperor of 
Morocco, the emperor presented this horse (the most valuable 
of his stud), to this captain, who shipped him on board the frigate 
with the sanguine expectation of obtaining a great price for him 
if safely landed in England ; but on the return voyage the frigate 
called at one of the West India Islands, where, being obliged to 



40 THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

remain some time, the captain, in compassion to the horse, 
landed him for the purpose of exercise. No convenient, 
securely enclosed place could be found but a large lumber yard, 
into which the horse was turned loose ; but, being young and 
as playful as a kitten, he clambered to the top of a huge pile 
of lumber, from which, and with it, he fell, breaking three of 
his legs. 

At this time, in the same port, the English captain met an 
old aequaintance from New London, Conn., U. S. A, To him 
he offered the horse as an animal of estimable value could he 
but be cured. This Connecticut captain gladly accepted the 
horse and knowing that he must be detained for some time at 
the Island before he could dispose of his assorted cargo, got 
the horse on board his vessel, secured him in a sling, very care- 
fully set and bound up his broken legs, and, when he landed at 
his Connecticut port, the horse was able to walk from New 
London to Pomfret, Conn., which place became his home for 
several years ; and such w^as the character and value of his 
colts that his service, became in great demand, and during the 
"VVar of the Revolution the Connecticut cavalry of beautiful, 
active horses attracted the attention of Generals Washington 
and Lee to such an exjfcent that they enquired into their breed- 
ing, and found them to be the sons and daughters of this Ara- 
bian horse " Ranger," as he was called. 

After the close of the War of the Revolution, and about the 
year 1784 or 1785, Generals Washington and Lee sent Captain 
Linsley to Pomfret, Conn., to see this wonderful sire of cavalry 
horses, and, if as represented (and if he could be purchased), to 
bring him back with him to Virginia. Captain Linsley found 
this horse in Pomfret to be owned by a man named Sabin, who 
consented to sell him for $1,000 ; consequently he was taken to 
Yirginia and his name changed from "Ranger" to ''Linsley's 
Arabian." He was then about twenty years old. He stood 
for several years in A^irginia, covering mares at high prices and 
sired some very good ones there, among which were Tulip and 
many other noted runners of that day. 



THE ARABIAN HORSE. 41 

I have dwelt more on the history of this Arabian horse 
than I should have done did I not feel assured beyond a doubt 
that he was the maternal grandsire of that most celebrated of 
all American horses of his day, Justin Morgan. 

When news came to General Putnam of Pomfret, Conn., 
that the British had fired upon Concord and that his immedi- 
ate presence was needed at Boston, the messenger found the 
"old hero" plowing with an ox team, but in his barn was 
stabled a beautiful daughter of this great sire of cavalry horses, 
which "old Put" saddled and rode to Boston that same after- 
noon, some 65 miles, and which rendered him such signal ser- 
vice during that great and memorable battle of Bunker Hill 
on the 17th day of June, 1775. 

An important importation to America of an Arabian sire 
was in 1820, when "Grand Bashaw" was imported from Trip- 
oli by Joseph C. Morgan, of Philadelphia. Some of our fastest 
trotters have descended from him, and much in the improve- 
ment and merit of our American-bred horses of the present 
time may, perhaps, be justly attributed to him, as he was in 
stud service here for more than twenty years. He was the 
founder of the Bashaw family and the fountain head of the 
Clay branch of the Bashaw family of the American trotter of 
to-day. 

One of the most beautiful horses I ever saw was an Ara- 
bian stallion imported from Egypt by Col. Wm. H. Jenifer, in 
1872, "Ishmael Pacha," but more generally known as the 
" Jenifer Arabian." 

I saw several of his half-blood colts and fillies, which were 
all very thrifty and large for their age. In color, this horse 
was a beautiful gray and stood rather less than fifteen hands 
high, but his progeny, as I saw them, were mostly chestnuts 
and some of the two-year-olds were taller than their sire. 

I had much correspondence with the importer concerning 
this horse, and traveled from Connecticut to Pennsylvania to 
see him ; and after the death of Col. Jenifer I came very near 



42 THE ARABIAN HORSE. 

purchasing him of his administrator, for my stock farm, at that 
time in Pomfret, Conn., for $1,000. 

All who have raised colts from common mares sired by 
Arabian stallions, are, I believe, unanimous in opinion that 
their get is generally even tempered, of a mild, willing, and 
quiet disposition, easily and cheaply raised, early maturing and 
fit for service at three years old. 

The prevailing color of the best-bred families of Arabian 
horses is gray. 

I know of but one attempt to breed the Arabian horse in 
its purity in this country, as Arabians, and that was made by 
A. Keen Richards of Kentucky, who visited the Arabian 
deserts himself several times for the purpose of studying the 
Arabian horse at home, and brought out to Kentucky, at 
different times, several of as good specimens as was possible for 
him to secure in Arabia. The Arabs are very loth to part 
with their best ones, and especially so of their mares. "War 
and misfortune interfered with Mr. Richards' plans to that ex- 
tent that he could not or did not accomplish his long-cherished 
and desired object. 

In a personal interview with Mr. Richards on this subject 
at Lexington, Ky., in 1880, I found him still sanguine in the 
belief that the Arabs could not only be bred in central Ken- 
tucky without deteriorating in any particular from those bred 
in Arabia, but that in many points, with generous food and 
good care, they would improve. And he also believed that 
the thoroughbred race horse of that time could be improved by 
judiciously crossing with the Arabs ; and the trotting bred 
horses of Kentucky as well. His faith in the Arabian horse as 
the improver of other breeds was stronger than that of any 
other gentleman with whom I have ever conversed on this 
subject ; in fact, he knew more about them than any one else I 
ever met. He had been there. 

In this interview with Mr. Richards, in speaking of General 
Grant's then late present of the two stallions — Lepold and 
Linden Tree — presented by the Sultan of Turkey, Mr. Rich- 



THE ARABIAN HORSE. 43 

ards said he considered thern both inferior specimens, comings 
far short in style and quality of the best specimens of this 
breed as he found them at home. 

It is exceedingly difficult and expensive to obtain good 
specimens ; it is with great difficulty that the Sultan, even,, 
obtains pure Arabs of the best families. 

In 1891, Thomas W. Palmer, a Detroit, Mich., capitalist^ 
conceived the idea of importing Arabian horses for the purpose 
of infusing new blood in his Percheron stud ; consequently he 
sent a trusted agent to Damascus for the purpose of obtaining 
some of the best specimens of that country for this purpose,, 
but the difficulty, amounting, it is said, to impossibility of ob- 
taining what he desired, compelled him to abandon his project. 

And now, when it is announced through our daily papers 
that the Axab horses shown at the Midway Plaisance, con- 
nected with the "World's Fair of 1893, were an exhibit of the 
Turkish government, and by that government permitted to be 
sold by the sheriff, it is too ridiculous ; yet it may be believed 
by the masses, "because in the papers." In after years some 
of the descendants of this motley collection may lay claim to 
royalty. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE. 

The oldest and best established breed in America and Europe — Breed built 
on an Arabian and Barb foundation — The Darley Arabian — Imported 
Messenger — Imported Diomed — Imported Trustee — Lexington — In- 
fluence of the blood in America. 

THIS is the oldest and best established of all the breeds of 
America and Europe. The Thoroughbred horse is 
peculiarly a British production. At a very early period the 
attention of the rulers of Great Britain was earnestly directed 
to the work of improving the breeds of horses in that 
kingdom. 

It appears from history that their foundation stock was 
notoriously deficient in size, and that their earliest efforts were 
directed to remedy this defect by the importation of heavy 
horses from Normandy, Flanders, and Germany, Then, to 
give gracefulness of motion and beauty of form, they intro- 
duced what was known as Oriental blood, that of the Arab, 
the Turk, and the Barb. 

For several years preceding the reign of Charles II, horse- 
racing appears to have been rapidly gaining in favor as an 
amusement and recreation among the English people, and from 
that time until the present, contests for supremacy upon the 
turf have stirred the British heart as no other amusement has 
ever done. To the constant growth and great popularity 
of this sport, which for nearly 200 years has been regarded as 
the national amusement of that country, are we indebted for 
a persistence in a course of breeding that has given us the 
thoroughbred race horse of to-day, so prominently distinguished 
throughout the world for speed and endurance upon the race- 
course ; and which, on account of the great care in breeding, 

(44) 



THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE, 45 

and its consequent purity of lineage, were the first race of ani- 
mals to which the term "thoroughbred" was applied. 

In the later years of the reign of Queen Anne an Arabian 
horse was brought to England, purchased at Aleppo by a 
Yorkshire merchant named Darley, and was supposed to be of 
the Kochlani breed, although his precise lineage was never 
established. He was called The Darley Arabian. He sired 
Flying Ghilders in 1714, who proved to be the fastest horse 
that had ever been on the English turf, and was of noble form 
and matchless courage. 

Another descendant of The Darley Arabian was Eclipse, 
foaled 1764, during the eclipse of that year, hence his name. 
He was thick- winded and a blower, but never met his match 
on the turf, and after racing seventeen months and winning 
£25,000, was retired to the stud, as no horse in the known 
world dared race with him. He sired 334 winners that won in 
races £160,000, besides numerous cups and plates. He died in 
1789, aged twenty-five years, and was buried at Whitechurch, 
between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Ware, in Hertfordshire, and 
it is added that at his interment ale and cakes were given to 
those present. 

Another great factor in the improvement of the English 
blood-horse was the Godolphin Arabian, foaled about the year 
1724. He was presented to Lord Godolphin, from whom he 
took his name. He sired Laih, who proved to be the fastest 
horse (Childers excepted) ever on the English turf at that 
time. The Godolphin was one of the sources of great im- 
provement to the English race-horse of that ]3eriod. 

The " Royal " mares of that time were mostly imported 
Barbs. 

Of all Oriental sires it is generally admitted that the 
Godolphin Arabian — imported 110 years ago — is the last 
importation of foreign blood that has proven of any benefit to 
the thoroughbred horse of England, and while this blending of 
the Oriental blood with the old races of England furnished the 
foundation, there can be no doubt that the care and skill of the 



46 THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE. 

English breeder in selecting and coupling with the best and 
fastest for generations on generations, have accomplished more 
in establishing this breed as it now exists, than could possibly 
have been done by continuing the out-crosses of foreign blood, 
and that the time is long since past when the intermingling of 
any other blood would not prove a detriment. 

The thoroughbred horse, as now bred, is generally consid- 
ered far superior to any branch of the Oriental horse of to-day 
in speed, size, and substance. Our American horses are 
largely composed of the blood of the thoroughbred ; many 
of the best stallions and mares of England have been imported 
to this country, and their influence is seen on every hand. It 
enters largely into the groundwork of all our trotting strains, 
and it is doubtful if a single great road horse or trotter has 
been produced in this country that did not |)ossess a share 
of this royal blood (or its source, the Arabian) as a foundation 
upon which the trotting superstructure has been built. There 
exists great ignorance, even among many who are considered 
intelligent and well-informed horsemen, as to what constitutes 
a thoroughbred horse. 

The compiler of the " Thoroughbred Stud Book " in this 
country admits to registry as thoroughbred all animals that 
show an unmixed descent of five generations of pure blood. 

Among the most noted early importations of thoroughbred 
horses from England to this country, and contributing mostly 
to the quality and speed of American horses, may be found the 
names of Janus, foaled in 1746, a grandson of the Godolphin, 
the good qualities of whose stock are said to be perpetuated to 
this day. 

Imported Traveler, foaled in 1T47, and tracing in an un- 
broken line to the White Turk and to Layton's Barb mare, 
was also considered second to none in his time. He belongs to 
the earlier importations, and is still one of the most valuable 
landmarks in old pedigrees, and especially so as the founder of 
that once most popular of all breeds in America for all pur- 
poses, — the Morgan. 



THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE. 47 

"Wild Air, foaled ia 1753, imported to New York by Mr. 
DeLancy, and on account of the great value of his stock was 
taken back to England, was undoubtedly a great improver of 
American horses, and one of the paternal ancestors of Justin 
Morgan, founder of that greatest of American general purpose 
horse, the Morgan. (See Morgan Horses, Chapter VI.) 

Fearnaught, imported in 1764, a great-grandson of the 
Darley Arabian, stood for service in this country for twelve 
years and left a numerous progeny of highly distinguished 
horses of that time. 

Messenger, foaled in 1785, was imported to Pennsylvania 
in. 1792, and died in JSTew York State in 1808. He distin- 
guished himself as being the progenitor of horses from half- 
bred and cold-blooded mares of good trotting action and stay- 
ing qualities, and whose influence in the trotting horse of 
America is still highly recognized, and from whose loins on the 
paternal side, descended Eysdyk's Hambletonian. 

"We find an old advertisement of this horse, — the last, — 
dated April, 1807 (eighty-eight years ago and one year before 
his death), which reads as follows : 

"THE CELEBRATED HORSE MESSENGER. 

" Old Messenger (commonly so called) is allowed by the best judges to be 
in as good order, feel as well, and to retain bis faculties in as much vigor as 
at any time since he was imported. 

" Messenger is a full-blood racer, fifteen hands three inches high, and well 
proportioned. He was bred by John Pratt, Esq., of Newmarket, and was 
got by Mambrino, who covered at twenty-six guineas a mare in the year 1784. 
Mambrino was got by Engineer, who was got by Sampson, who was the sire 
of Bay Moulton and several other capital racers ; his dam by Turf, his grand- 
dam by Regulus. 

" The mare was sister to Figurante and was dam of Leviathan, an excel- 
lent racer. He is a sure foal-getter and his stock equal, if not superior, to that 
of any horse in the States, some of whom are selling from $500 to $2,000 each. 

" The horse will stand at Bishop Underhill's in the County of West Chester, 
fifteen miles from Harlem on the White Plains Road, to cover the ensuing 
season at $15 the season and $10 single service ; the season to commence on 
the first day of April, and to continue not longer than the first day of August 
following ; the money to be paid at the time of taking away the mare. 

" Warranted foals by agreement. 



48 THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE. 

" PERFOKMANXES. 

"Messenger won the following sums in the years 1783, 1784, and 1785, as 
may be seen by the racing calendars. In September he beat, at Newmarket, 
Mr. Potter's Colchester, by Shark, for 100 guineas. October 30, 1783, he 
beat Mr. Napier's horse Specter across the Flat for 800 guineas, and Mr. Fox's 
horse Pynhus across the New Flat for 150 guineas. 

"In May, 1784, he beat Lord Barrington's Tiger for twenty-five guineas ; 
in July, 1784, he beat Mr. Windham's horse Apothecary for 200 guineas ; 
Lord Foley's Rodney, Mr. Westell's Snowdrop, and Mr. Clark's Flower for 
sixty guineas, and Lord Foley's Ulysses for 100 guineas. In March, 1785, he 
beat His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales' Ulysses for 200 guineas, and 
Mr. Windham's horse Fortitude for 300 guineas. 

"In April, 1785, he beat Lord Sherburn's horse Taylor for fifty guineas. 

In addition to the above he has won the King's plate, and is the only horse on 

the continent said to have done the same. 

(Signed) 

"BISHOP UNDERHILL." 

Florizal, imported into Maryland in 1794, was a good stock 
horse and some of the best of om' Southern horses of to-day 
trace to him. 

Diomed, foaled in 1777 in England, and imported into Vir- 
ginia in 1799, when twenty -two years old, was a most remark- 
able stock horse, and his influence as such is felt in America 
to-day. He was the sire — in America — of the great Sir 
Archy, a very distinguished horse of his da}^ and justly called 
the Godolphin Arabian of America. He was a brown horse, 
sixteeen and one-half hands high, of great substance, and left 
an exceeding numerous and very valuable progeny at his death 
when twenty-eight years old. 

Trustee, foaled in 1829, contributed his full share, probably, 
in the improvement of the American horses of his time, both 
as regards speed and quality. 

Priam was also among the best ; so of many of the later 
importations, among which may be recounted Glencoe, the 
great horse of the two continents, brought from England to 
Alabama in 1836, and considered one of the best the world 
had then produced, and his descendants are not to be despised 
to-day. 



THE VALUE OF THOROUGHBRED STALLIONS. 49 

America, herself, has contributed to the breeding ranks of 
thoroughbred sires some very noted animals, among which 
may be found a Boston c. h., deriving his name from a popular 
game of cards at that time, who was a great race horse 
himself and a sire of the great Lexington, foaled in 1850, 
bred by Dr. Wariield of Lexington, Ky. He first ran on 
the turf under the name of Darley and was a winner; was 
then purchased by Mr. Kichard Ten Broeck, who changed his 
name to Lexington. He ran many successful races, winning 
for his owner many thousand dollars; and after breaking down 
as a racer was purchased by Mr. Robert A. Alexander of Ken- 
tucky, proprietor of Woodburn, for stock purposes, for $15,000. 

Mr. Alexander's friends ridiculed his paying such a price for 
a broken-down stallion, useless for the race course and untried 
in the stud; the far-seeing Kentuckian replied that the day 
would come when he would sell one of the produce of the 
horse they then despised for more money than he had paid for 
the sire. 

That day did come, for after his son, ISTorfolk, had won the 
two three-year-old stakes at St. Louis in 1864, on Mr. Theodore 
"Winter asking Mr. Alexander to name the price for the colt, 
he replied " $15,001." That sum was immediately given and 
Mr. Alexander's prophecy verified. 

Lexington proved himself America's greatest sire and was 
the sire of Idlewild, Kentucky, Asteroid, Harry of the "West, 
Jack Malone, Lightning, Lancaster, Daniel Boone, Bayonet, 
Yauxhall, Judge Curtis, Stonewall Jackson, Kingfisher, Harry 
Bassett, Tom Bowling, and others of note both on the race 
course and in the stud. 

THE VALUE OF THOROUGHBRED STALLIONS. 
As regards the estimate in which the race-loving English- 
man holds his best bred racing stallions may be approximated 
from the following table of prices for which a number of 
prominent thoroughbred stallions have been sold : 



50 



THE VALUE OF THOROUGHBRED STALLIONS. 



Ormonde, 


$150,000 


Galore, 


$30,000 


St. Blaise, . 


100,000 


Bonnie Scotland, . 


30,000 


Don Castor, . 


70,000 


Don Alonzo, 


30,000 


Blair Athol, . 


62,000 


Kingston, 


30,000 


Kentucky, . 


40,000 


Dew Drop, . 


29,500 


Vern, . 


39,000 


Potomac, 


25,000 


King Thomas, 


88,000 


Dobbins, 


22,000 


Gladiator, 


35,000 


Cantineer, . 


20,500 


Iroquois, 


34,000 


Luke Blackburn, 


20,000 


Tournament, 


33,000 


Duke of Magenta, 


20,000 


Rayon de Orr, 


33,000 


Mortimer, 


20,000 


The Earl, . 


80,500 


Ban Fox, . 


. 20,000 


G. W. Johnson, . 


30,000 


Louisburg, . 


.20,000 


San Domingo, 


30,000 







The yearling colt, King Thomas, sold at auction in the city 
of New York in 1887 for the magnificent sum of $38,000 cash. 

Mr. Saville refused $75,000 for Cremona, and the Marquis 
of Westminster refused $17,500 for Touchstone, accompanying 
his refusal with the remark that he would not exchange him 
for a German principality. 

A party of Americans visiting England several years since, 
after looking over the Eton stud, requested an interview with 
the owner, Lord Westminster. The spokesman began by say- 
ing that he and his friends had seen the horses and that they 
fancied Touchstone very much, very much indeed. Lord 
Westminster was highly pleased to hear him say so. 

The American, in continuation, informed his Lordship that 
they had made up their minds to buy him. 

" Oh, indeed ! " 

" Yes, my Lord, that's our determination ; what's his 
price ? " 

" The American Domains," was the reply. 

Priam, imported into Virginia in 1837 at a cost of $17,500, 
which was the largest price ever paid for a horse to that date 
in England, after the appearance of his daughter. Crucifix, in 
1840, when she won the 1,000 guineas, the 2,000 guineas and 
the Oaks, $50,000 was offered and refused for him to return to 
England. 

The English breeder is always ready to pay more for the 



THE VALUE OF THOROUGHBRED STALLIONS. 51 

use of a bighly bred animal than any other in the world, and, 
as a consequence, the civilized world is still tributary in a meas- 
ure to that little Island for improved live stock. 

This is especially so in horses. The service fee paid for 
thoroughbred stallions of the first rank would scare an Ameri- 
can breeder. 

Hermit, regarded as the most successful thoroughbred sire 
■of his day, was held at 250 guineas, nearly $1,300. 

Isonomy's fee, 200 guineas, Galopin's 100 guineas. 

Undoubtedly a large number of the foals sired by these 
horses are never worth the service fees ; but when a winner is 
struck he makes amends for all former losses. 



CHAPTER lY. 



THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. 



The origin, rise, and progress of the breed — Daniel Pearce and his stallion 
Rambler — Imp. Rambler — Narragansett blood in the Morgans — Lit- 
tle Neck Beach, R I. — Mary Langworthy Southcote. 

THE origin, rise, progress, and we might almost say exter- 
mination of this once most noted family of the equine 
race in this country seems to be somewhat shrouded in mys- 
tery by the horse oracles of the present day; 3^et to me, its 
history having been verbally handed down from father to son 
as an heirloom of our family for the past 1Y5 years or so, is 
very clear. Its origin is as follows : 

In the reign of Queen Anne, A. D. 1707, a young man of 
the county of York, East Riding District, England, by the 
name of Daniel Pearce — the son of a well-to-do tenant farmer 
— a natural born horseman and the possessor in his own right 
of a beautiful young chestnut stallion, a grandson of the great 
imported Arabian horse, the "Darley Arabian," then owned 
and kept by the Lord of the Manor — Lord Darley — (very 
foolishly it was thought) fell desperately in love with a charm- 
ing young lady by the name of Mary Langworthy Southcote, 
who belonged to an old and wealthy family living in Hull. 

As a matter of course in that age of aristocracy, such a 
thing as a tenant farmer's son (however worthy he might be) 
to think of marrying into an old family like the Southcotes, 
was preposterous. Consequently this young man, Daniel 
Pearce, in order to become weaned from his Mary, decided to 
bid England a long farewell, giving up the comforts of home, 
the endearing scenes of childhood, the companions of youth, 
and all — no, he could not give up his beautiful colt, his own 
"Rambler." He would leave merry England and all else, save 

(53) 



THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. 53 

Eambler, behind ; with him he would take the first vessel sail- 
ing from Hull to America. Rambler should bear him company 
to the IS'ew Eldorado, or they would both share one common 
grave in the bosom of the Atlantic. 

The result of this decision was that after a somewhat long, 
dreary, and perilous voyage in a sail vessel of those times, our 
hero, with his companion, was landed in Newport, R. I. His 
final destination being Kingstown, a country bordering on the 
west shore of l^arragansett bay, he took passage in a sail boat 
from Newport to the Narragansett country, still accompanied 
by his horse Rambler. During the voyage, and somewhere 
about midway, it is said, between Beavertail, on Canonicot 
Island, and Narragansett Beach (now Narragansett Pier), the 
boat capsized and the horse swam for the shore, some three 
miles, and several days afterwards was found in the woods on 
what is now called Boston Neck. Hence the legend by some 
that the paternal ancestor of this race of horses was found 
swimming at sea ; and by others that he was found running 
wild in the woods in the Narragansett country. 

Upon arriving in this new and wild country our young 
Englishman found, to his mortification and annoyance, that, 
although possessed of one of the finest and best "galloping 
saddlers" in England, the new country afforded no roads suita- 
ble to ride upon ; instead of roads were to be found but Indian 
trails and bridle paths and even these were handicapped with 
rocks and stones. These circumstances compelled Daniel to 
change the gait of Rambler from a gallop to a pace or "rack" 
as it was then called, which he easily acquired. 

This stallion was kept as a stock horse for many years by 
his owner and importer, and Avas, for those times, very gener- 
ally patronized, especially throughout the southern and south- 
western counties of Rhode Island and the district of Stoning- 
ton, Conn. 

He became the paternal progenitor of a race of pacers ; it 
is said that his colts all paced from the start, and that his sons 
begat pacers, and when his daughters were bred to pacing sires 



54 THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. 

their progeny invariably paced, but when bred, to trotting or 
running sires they either trotted or ran, as the case might be. 

The Narrafjansett Pacer soon became an established breed 
in Rhode Island, and as the people of those times had neither 
carriage roads or carriages, or steam cars, what traveling was 
done was either accomplished on foot or on horseback, and 
men frequently rode from fifty to sixty miles per day on one 
of those beautiful, easy-going saddlers, over hills and through 
dales, following the rough and stony bridle paths of Kew Eng- 
land at that period of its histor}^ 

These horses were said to be remarkably sure footed. The 
pure bloods (as they were called) could not be made to trot at 
all. They used them in races as long ago as 1720. Little 
Neck Beach, on the !N"arragansett shore in South Kingston, one 
mile in length, was used as a race-course. 

In about the year 1725 they came to be looked upon as 
an established breed, and from that time until 1760 were in 
active demand for export to Cuba as saddlers, and were sent 
for at much trouble and expense by some breeders who were 
choice in their selections. 

A chestnut mare of this breed having been, taken to Yer- 
raont, U. S., in 1807, and bred to that most wonderful horse, 
Justin Morgan, the result w^as his most celebrated son, Sherman 
Morgan, foaled in 1809, who took the trotting gait of his sire 
and the color and beauty of his dam. 

Such finally became the demand for these horses for export 
that the breeders "killed the goose that laid the golden egg'^ 
by disposing of not only their surplus but most of their breed- 
ing stock, as well. 

By this time, however, the country having been supplied 
with better roads and the people with carriages, the saddle 
horse was less sought for at home, and horses that could trot 
became more popular and in better demand, than those of the 
pacing gait, and horses of this breed were then trained to trot 
in harness and pace under the saddle. I can well remember 
descendants of this breed of horses, crossed with other breeds. 



THE NARRAGANSETT PACER. 55 

perhaps, that would pace all day under the saddle, and others 
that would both trot and pace, frequently changing from one 
gait to the other. 

This breed of horses goes into history as the only one 
founded on the results of a single importation and becoming in 
demand for export within twenty years after the importation 
of its founder. 

I still recollect descendants of this breed that were great 
roadsters and tough as leather. I recall to mind two black 
mares, both raised and owned in Kingston, Rhode Island, — one 
by George Allen and the other by ISTathaniel Reynolds — that 
would go from Quidnessett, near Wickford, R. I., to Brighton, 
Mass., about sixty miles, in a half day without stopping on the 
the road for feeding. 

I once owned a sorrel gelding, a descendant of this breed, 
that paced and would not trot at all, but would pace, if put to 
it, I think nearly, or quite, one hundred miles in a day on a 
good road. 

In conclusion of this scrap of history, allow me to state 
that Daniel's Mary "forsook father and mother, brothers and 
sisters," home, luxuries, society, and all the pleasures that 
wealth and civilization could bestow, and followed her lover to 
America, where they were married and became the founder of 
a family by the name of Pearce in America (one member of 
which has served the people of the United States one term as 
its President), besides figuring largely in other prominent 
American families by intermarriage. Mary was disinherited, 
however, and when her father made his will she was "not in it." 



CHAPTER V. 

THE FRENCH CANADIAN HORSE. 

Early imported into Canada from France — Climatic influence on Canadian 
horses — Hardiness and utility — Canadian blood in the American 
trotter and pacer — Noted Canada horses imported to the United States 
— Surry, dam of Henry Clay, a Canadian. 

THE early settlers of Canada came from France, bringing 
their horses with them. France, like England, contains 
several breeds of horses, of which the most desirable are from 
Kormandy ; at least that was the case years ago before the 
advent of the Percheron, 

As the first settlers of this country needed horses and the 
horses must be brought from France, their mother country, 
and as the distance was too long and freights too high to 
attempt importing any but the best, it is presumed that of 
such were their early importations. 

It may safely be inferred that in those days the Xorman or 
Percheron horse of France was far inferior in all respects to 
the Percheron horse of that country to-day, after having been 
improved with the blood of the Arabian. 

These French horses were brought over into lower Canada 
in the early settlement of the colony, and for many years 
formed the principal horse stock of Canada. The rigor of the 
climate and the scarcity of fare materially reduced their size 
from that of their French ancestors ; still, they retain to this 
day the same strong make-up and general characteristics that 
render them distinguishable from any and all other breeds. 
They constitute a race of easy-keeping, sound-constitutioned, 
and long-lived horses. From their strong, compact form they 
can command their strength to great advantage, and there is 
nothing in the shape of horseflesh to-day that can stand the 

(56) 



THE FRENCH CANADIAN HORSE. 57 

wear and tear of the French Canadian pony, except it be an 
old-time Morgan of about the same size and much the same 
style. 

The French Canadians have but few equals in all the im- 
proved breeds of horses as a general purpose horse. ISTothing 
really excels a pair of these Canadians as a team for all pur- 
poses of general use for Canadian farming, when cost of keep 
is taken into account. 

They have also done more to establish the trotting horse of 
America than they have ever received credit for. The cross- 
ing of this breed with others in the United States, on account 
of their hardiness and sound constitution, has in many in- 
stances been of material advantage. 

For instance: One of the French Canadians — a pacer — 
called Pilot was the sire of Alexander's Pilot, Jr., the founder 
of a family of trotters and the sire of the dam of Maud S., one 
of the fastest and gamest trotters of the world, and who for 
so long held the world's record as such. He was also the sire 
of many noted trotters. This old Canadian horse, Pilot, went 
from Canada to Kentucky and numbers among his descend- 
ants Bonesetter, Pilot Temple, Tattler, and Tackey, who owed 
much of their great speed and staying qualities to him. 

Alexander's ISTorman was also sired by a half-bred French 
horse, the Morse horse. He was the sire of Lulu, 2.15. Red 
Jim, the fastest three-year-old of his time, inherited the blood 
of ISTorman ; and Blackwood, the fastest three-year-old of his 
day, was a son of IS^orman. 

Davy Crockett, another French pacer, Avas the progenitor 
of Legal Tender, Eed Cloud, Ked Cross, and other good ones 
of their day. Copper Bottom, also a French pacer, did much 
to improve the trotting stock of Kentucky. 

Columbus was a pacer taken from Canada to the United 
States and converted into a trotter ; he was the sire of Smith's 
Young Columbus, that crossed so well with the Morgans and 
other New England horses. 

A black mare called Kate, bred in Canada and sired by a 



58 THE FRENCH CANADIAN HORSE. 

French Canadian stallion, dropped five colts to Ilambletonian, 
all of whom trotted better than 2.30, and three of which are 
on record. 

Surry, dam of the world-renowned Henry Clay, the foundei- 
of the Clay family, and the maternal ancestor of thos^ old-time 
whalebone trotters, George M. Patchen, Lucy, and American 
Girl, was a Canadian. George M. Patchen was the founder of 
the Patchen branch of the Clay family of American trotters. 

Gift, one of the most promising colts of Mambrino Pilot, 
was out of a French pacing mare. Mambrino Gift had a 
French cross, as did his grandsire and his dam's grandsire ; he 
also had the g'ift of trottino: in 2.20. 

Corbeau, St. Lawrence, Gray Eagle, Canada Chief, "Whirl- 
wind, Snow Storm, and Coeur de Leon were all French trot- 
ting or pacing stallions, and all crossed the border to the 
LTnited States for stock purposes ; but we do not claim as much 
for the French Canadian horse as a fast trotter as we do in the 
way of being a most useful animal to all classes of men having 
use for horses adapted to all purposes for which horses are 
wanted. Their sound body, wind, and limb is a constitutional 
inheritance that is propagated from generation to generation, 
thus giving them advantage for hard service over other breeds 
of less constitutional vigor. 

Their feet and legs are almost exceptionally good, and they 
are usually free from all kinds of disease to which horseflesh is 
heir. They are short-coupled from the knees and hocks down, 
which gives great purchase power. Their strong, muscular 
thighs and forearms complete the limbs and make them strong 
enough to support the body under heavy loads, over hills and 
through dales, without tiring out or breaking down. 

In horse-dealing, years ago, I have handled these animals 
by the carload with usually satisfactory results to myself and 
to my customers ; but now I expect it would be as difficult to 
•purchase a carload of French Canadian horses in Canada as it 
would be to procure a like number of Morgans in Vermont or 
New Hampshire, as the breeders of these horses have, perhaps 



THE FRENCH CANADIAN HORSE. 59 

unAvisely, crossed and re-crossed with other breeds or famihes 
until but few of the original types of eiiher can be found. 

They are emphatically the farmer's horse for Canada, and 
good specimens of this breed should weigh from 1,000 to 1,200' 
pounds, which is usually heavy enough for general farm work^ 
and more economical for the farmer for all purposes, especially 
taking into account the cost of keep, than are the heavy draft 
horses of from 1,400 to 1,800 pounds. 



CHAPTEK YI. 

THE MORGAN HORSE. 

The Morgans an American breed — Beauty and power of endurance — Justin 
Morgan the founder — Pedigree of Justin Morgan — Description of 
Justin Morgan — Sherman Morgan and his pedigree — Black Hawk, 
pedigree and history — Ethan Allen, pedigree and history — Daniel 
Lambert. 

THIS is strictly an American breed of horses and a New 
England production, the distinguishing characteristics 
of which are neatness and compactness of form, hardiness of 
constitution, soundness of wind and limb, strong digestive 
organs, enabling them to live on little food, the best of feet 
and limbs, good action, and a high degree of intelligence and 
spirit. 

For beauty of form and power of endurance, added to gen- 
tleness and graceful activity, probably no breed of horses in 
the world surpasses the Morgans. The}^ are unsually kind and 
show a surprising degree of intelligence ; they are strong, com- 
pact, and sure footed. As roadsters and stage horses and for 
the general purpose horse, they have never been excelled by 
any other breed or class of American horses. 

"We have from reliable authority the history of a Morgan 
horse — of the old family of N"ew England Morgans — that 
was frequently driven from Brattleboro, Yt., to Hartford, 
Conn., 80 miles, over very hilly roads, in a day, attached to a 
chaise containing two adults, and that he continued to do this 
service handsomely after he was twenty-four years old. 

The founder of this breed was Justin Morgan, foaled in 
1793 at Springfield, Mass. Of the origin and breeding of this 
horse — the founder of a mighty race — there was for many 
years much doubt ; but as time and perseverance of investiga- 

(60) 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 61 

tion has unraveled the snarl, we are now,. and have been for 
many years, ready to accept the following as his breeding: 

His sire, without doubt, was a bay horse called True Briton 
or Beautiful Bay — he was known by both names — a son of 
Imported Traveler, his dam a chestnut mare sired by Kanger 
of Pomfret, Conn., an imported Arabian horse from Morocco, 
who was afterwards taken to Virginia and his name changed to 
Linsley's Arabian. (See Linsley's Arabian, in Arabian Horses, 
Chaptei II.) 

His grand dam was a close, compact, medium-sized, light 
bay mare of the Wild Air breed ; a very smooth, handsome 
traveler. Her sire was Diamond, who was by Wild Air or 
Church horse, by imported Wild Air, imported by DeLaney of 
Long Island and afterwards taken back to England. 

The third dam of Justin Morgan Avas a Dutch mare brought 
to this country (either she or her dam), by Dutch emigrant 
settlers of the Mohawk valley. 

Of Imported Traveler, the grandsire of Justin Morgan, the 
Stud Book says : " This horse was second to no other of the 
early importations," etc. His pedigree traces in a direct and 
unbroken line to the White Turk and Laton's Barb mare. 

Wild Air, the g. g. g. sire of Justin Morgan, the Stud Book 
tells us also traces in an unbroken line to the White Turk and 
Laton Barb mare, and was so well thought of in England that 
he was purchased in America and re-shipped to England. 

Thus we find that history proves this most wonderful horse, 
Justin Morgan, that some called a scrub and some a 
Canadian, to be a very high-bred animal ; he was, without 
doubt, sired by a high-bred horse and out of a well-bred dam. 
Indeed, he was no come-by-chance horse. 

As to his true breeding, probably no horse of note that ever 
lived had as many different versions as to pedigree, or found 
more people (forty of fifty years after his death), willing to 
file affidavits as to his breeding ; but, strange to say, no 
two of them were alike, so far as I can learn. 

According to Lmdsey in his work " The Morgan Horse," 



62 THE MORGAN HORSE. 

some filed their affidavits swearing that he was a French Cana- 
dian, while others were ready and did swear to many other 
versions of his pedigree. This investigation, in which I have 
been engaged for many years, gives me the above, I thinh cor- 
rect, conclusions. 

As to his individual appearance, as described by Lindsey : 

" He was about fourteen hands high and weighed about 950 
pounds ; color, a dark bay with black points ; he had no white 
hairs on him. His head was good; not extremely small but 
lean and bony; the face straight, the forehead broad, ears 
small, very fine and set rather wide apart, eyes medium size, 
very dark and prominent with a spirited but pleasant expression, 
and showed no white around the edge of the lid. His nostrils 
were very large, the muzzle small and the lips close and firm. 
His back was very short, the shoulder blades and hip bones 
being very long and oblique and the loin exceedingly broad 
and muscular. His body was rather long, round, deep, close, 
ribbed up ; chest deep and wide with the breast bone projecting 
a good deal in front. 

" His legs were short, close jointed, thin but very wide and 
flat, hard and free from meat with muscles that were remarka- 
bly large for a horse of his size, and this superabundance of 
muscle exhibited itself at every step. His coat was short, very 
bright and glossy. He had a little long hair about the fetlocks 
on the back side of the legs, the rest of limbs being entirely 
free from it." 

His feet were rather small but well shaped, tough as iron; 
and he was, in fact, in every respect perfectly sound and free 
from all blemishes to the day of his death, which was caused 
by an accident when twenty-nine years old. 

He was a very fast walker ; in trotting his step was short 
and nervous, displaying considerable knee action. He was sure 
footed and his bold, fearless style of movement, and vigorous, 
untiring action, have, perhaps, never been surpassed in any 
horse. 

He was a natural parade horse, and was perfectly kind and 



THE MOKGAN HORSE. 63 

pleasant in all harness, and one of, the best saddle horses of his 
day. He could out-draw any horse of his own weight, and at 
short distances was a fast runner. 

I have been explicit in my description of this horse, both in 
appearance and disposition, as he was the most remarkble ani- 
mal, perhaps, in the entire history of American horses, and the 
founder of a race inheriting his characteristics to a remarkable 
degree. 

Perhaps no horse in America, living or dead, ever stamped 
upon his descendants even to the eighth and ninth generations, 
his own striking, valuable characteristics, equal to him ; and 
now after a lapse of upwards of seventy years after his death, 
we find some of his descendants possessed of his prevailing char- 
acteristics enough to convince the horse connoisseurs that they 
are indeed Morgans. 

Justin Morgan died in the winter of 1821, the property of 
Levi Bean, near Chelsea Village, Yt., aged twenty-nine years. 
It was supposed that a kick received from another horse, and 
want of proper care, hastened his death, perhaps by several 
years, as he was as sound as a colt up to the time of the acci- 
dent causing the same. 

As to the color, weight, and height of the Morgans as a 
family, from their foundation as such, the bays, chestnuts, 
browns, and blacks predominate, with an occasional gray. 
The bays, as a rule, have black points with but little, if any, 
white. The chestnuts are mostly dark chestnuts — not sorrels 
— many having the tail and mane of a lighter hue than the 
body, and some have a white stripe in the face, with an occa- 
sional white foot or two. 

A particular shade of brown seems peculiar to this breed, 
hence the name " Morgan brown." As to the weight of the 
old I^ew England stock of Morgans, we find it to range from 
about 875 pounds up to 1,000 pounds; but when of the larger 
weight we usually find the outcross on a larger type of mares. 
As to height, from thirteen and one-half to fifteen hands will 
about cover the whole ground. 



64 THE MORGAN HORSE. 

I frequently meet, here in the West, old farmers who say : 
" Yes, I have seen the Morgan horse at such a place, at such a 
time, and he was a large horse, some sixteen hands, and would 
weigh, 1 should say, 1,400 pounds; possibly more, maybe 1,60() 
pounds." Now it is very evident that such men have con- 
founded the name of Morgan with that of Norman, and that 
explains the whole thing ; but it would require much argument 
and some practical proof to disabuse their minds, so long 
made up. 

The most noted son of Justin Morgan was Sherman Mor- 
gan, sired by the old horse when he was fifteen years old, and 
was foaled in 1809. He .was bred by James Sherman of Lyn- 
don, Vt. His dam, a chestnut mare — a pacer — belonged to 
that once popular breed, the Narragansett Pacer. (See Narra- 
gansett Pacer, Chapter IV.) 

She was bred by Caleb Allen of North Kingston, R. I. ; was 
used in Providence, R. I., for several years by John Brown as 
a saddle mare, and was taken to Vermont expressly to be bred 
to Justin Morgan — James Sherman being, formerly, a Rhode 
Island man. 

Sherman Morgan was a dark chestnut in color, with two 
white hind feet and ankles, and a white stripe in the face, tak- 
ing his color from his dam, while in other respects he was the 
counterpart of his sire. In height he was thirteen and three- 
quarters hands ; in weight, 975 pounds. 

This was a most remarkable horse for durability, for, per- 
haps, no stock horse ever worked so hard as he did (unless it 
may have been his sire). 

Linsley said : " Most of the year he was kept constantly at 
work on the farm, much of which he helped to clear up ; and 
in the winter worked steadily in a team consisting of this stal- 
lion and his half brother, by Justin Morgan. This team, run- 
ning from Lyndon, Vt., to Portland, Me., became famous at 
every inn from Lyndon to Portland, and, after a time, no 
teamster dared match his team — however heavy — against it. 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 65 

either in pulling or for speed, and at a dead pull at a log he 
never in his day found a match." 

Continuing, the same historian says : " Sherman was a hard 
master, and it is said used his team very roughly at times, and 
always worked this horse very hard from four years old until 
he was ten, when he sold him to Stephen C. Gibbs of Littleton, 
K. H." But the Yermonters, after having seen his stock devel- 
oped, could not afford to let New Hampshire retain him, and 
he was brought back to Vermont ; and when the Kew Hamp- 
shire people saw his stock somewhat developed, they outbid the 
Vermonters and got him back there again, and in 1831 he made 
the season in Charlestown, Mass., and was, perhaps, the most 
popular stallion in New England, if not the United States, of 
that time. 

He finally died in Lancaster, N. H., in 1855, at the age of 
twenty-six and one-half years, as sound as he was on the day 
he was foaled, and the cause of his death is to this day un- 
known, as he was left at ten o'clock in the morning, apparently 
perfectly well, and at one o'clock in the afternoon was found 
dead. 

The most noted son of Sherman Morgan was Black Hawk, 
later known as Hill's Vermont Black Hawk, and recorded in 
the " Trotting Register " Black Hawk (5). This horse was 
sired by Sherman Morgan when he was twenty-four years old, 
and was foaled the property of Wingate Trombley of Durham 
(now Greenland), N. H., in 1833. 

His dam was a half thoroughbred — - perhaps more — black 
mare from New Brunswick, and not a Narragansett Pacer as 
erroneously claimed by Wallace. He, evidently, got the dam 
of this horse mixed up with the dam of his sire. 

This Vermont Black Hawk was the founder of the Black 

Hawk branch of the Morgan family. He was said to be the 

handsomest horse of his da}^, and the most stylish carriage 

horse. Black Hawk was a coal black in color, about fifteen 

hands high, and weighed 950 to 1,000 pounds. He was used as 

a gentleman's roadster and familv carriage horse until eleven 
5 



66 THE MORGAN HORSE. 

years of age, before being used as a stock horse ; after which 
he earned for his owner, David Hill, of Bridgeport, Yt., the sum 
of $34,000, commencing at $10 per mare and ending at $100, 
cash before service. He was a great sire and his colts Avere 
much sought after and sold for high prices, and now, forty 
years after his death, it is not considered a detriment to our 
best bred trotters to have their pedigrees trace to him. 

Black Hawk was very handsome, stylish, and fast. In 
color, the descendants of this horse were usually black, bay, or 
chestnut. His stock was generally larger than himself, being 
mostly from larger mares. This horse also died, at the age of 
twenty-one years, as sound as a " Spanish Mill dollar." 

In handling colts from many diiferent sires I have ever 
found his among the very best for general use. The most 
noted of all the sons and daughters of Black Hawk was Ethan 
Allen, sired when he was fifteen years old. 

Ethan Allen was one of the most noted horses in America 
or the world in his day. In color he was a bright bay with 
black legs, mane, and tail, had three white feet, a star, and a 
white snip. He was bred by J. W. Holcomb of Ticonderoga, 
li. Y., and foaled in 1849. His dam was a medium-sized gray 
mare, sired by a Morgan horse called Robbin. When at ma- 
turity Ethan Allen Avas fifteen hands high, and weighed 900 
pounds. He was the fastest trotting stallion living in his day, 
a very reliable trotter, and the greatest campaigner of his time, 
and undoubtedly the greatest campaigning stallion of the Avorld 
to date. 

He had an excellent temper and gait for either the road or 
track, and Avas a natural trotter from his colthood. His train- 
ing commenced at an early age, appearing in public on the turf 
every year from tAvo to twenty years of age. He Avas a perfect- 
gaited horse, never needing any of the artificial appliances so 
much in vogue at the present time. He AA^as beautiful to look 
upon, and came as near perfection as the American trotter as 
any horse that ever lived. 

Ethan Allen was the sire of many good and fast horses, but 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 



67 



his crowning effort in the stud was the producing of that most 
noted of all Morgans — as the sire of speed — Daniel Lambert, 
who was foaled in 1868, bred by W. C. Clark of Ticonderoga, 
N. Y., and was one of the most beautiful all-around horses 
that ever lived. In trotting action he was simply perfect, and 
in his prime was called the most beautiful horse in America. 

In color he was a beautiful shade of chestnut, with one 
white hind foot and a star, with mane and tail of a lighter 
color — flaxen — of extraordinary fineness and beauty. He had 
very fine limbs, neck, and head. He sired many fine speed- 
producing stallions, among which are Motion, Ben Franklin, 
Abraham, Aristos, and others of note. 



DANIEL LAMBERT 102, SIRE OF 



Comee, 
Lambert B 
Ella Doe, 
Jim, 
Nancy, 
Wild Lily, 
George R., 
Lady Foxie, 
Jimmy Stewart, 
John Hall, . 
George A., . 
Jubilee Lambert, 
Dickard, 

Maggie Lambert, 
Dan Miller, . 
Nonesuch, . 
Blanchard, . 
Billy D., 

Addison Lambert 
Annie Page, 
Ben Lambert, 
Baby Lambert, 
Aristos, 
Annie Laurie, 
Boston, 
Gol. Moulton, 
Cobden, 
M. Y. D. Colt, 
Ben Franklin, 



2.19M 

3.211^ 

2.233^ 

2.233^ 

2.231^ 

2.24 

2.24 

2.241^ 

2.241^ 

2.2414 

2.241^ 

2.25 

2.25,^4 

2.25i|' 

2.251^ 

2.251^ 

3.25M 
2.26 

2.27 

2.271^ 

2.27 

2.271^ 

2.273^ 

2.273^ 

2.27X 
2.281^ 
2.283^ 
2.28?^ 
2.29 



Motion, .... 3.29 

Pauline Lambert, . . 2.29 

Clara Morris, . . . 2.29i^ 

Green Mab, .... 2. 293=^ 

Flora Huff, .... 2.29^ 

Annie Lou, .... 2.30 

Joe S., .... 2.30 

May Morning, . . . 2.30 

and dams of 

Pamlico, .... 2.103^ 

Altar, 2.161^ 

Dandy Jim, . , . 2.16i| 

Ruth Wilkes, . . . 3.17i^ 
Minerva, . . . .2.18 
Overholt, . , . .2.19 

Virginius, . . . , 2.193^ 

Wyandot, .... 3.193^ 

Gilmore, .... 3.213^ 

Sea King, .... 3.213^ 

Silver Lace, . . . 3.31 1^ 

RoseFilkins, . . . 3.33 

Miss Foxie, .... 3.223^ 

Revenue, .... 2.323^ 

Exarch, .... 2.233^ 

Madge Wilkes, . . . 3.23i^ 

Charles Reade, . . . 3.243^ 

Lotta, 3.241^ 

Claudius, . . . .3.35 
Sister Barefoot, . . .3.35 



68 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 



Katie M., 

Massasoit, . 

Callisto, 

Baron Browne, 3, 

Howell, 3, . 

Emma B., . 

Haldane, 

California Lambert, 

Anna Knowlton, 

Duane, 

Crete, . 

Duellon, 

Red Lambert, 

Jingles, 

Capt. Bowman, 



25^ 

26 

261^ 

26K 

3614 

261^ 

27 

27K 

273^ 

27M 

28 

.281^ 

,283^ 

,283^ 



Juno Wilkes, 3, . 

Malachi, 

Busby, 

Golden, 

Olivia, 

Marabrino Lambert, 

Early Bloom, 

Five Points, 

Foxwood, 

Nyanza, 2, . 

Prima Donna, p., 

Nightingale, p., . 

Louie M., p , 

Snowbird, p., 



2.29 

2.29 

2.291^ 

2.291^ 

2.2914 

2.293.^ 

2.293^ 

2.293^ 

2.30 

2.30 

2.091^ 

2.131^ 

2.193^ 

2.22 



PRODUCING 

Air Line. 

Sired dam of 

Robert M. Taylor, . 
Ahraham, 353. 

Frank, . . . . 

Bessie H., 

Kitty Cook, 

Jeannie, . . . . 

Belle Shackett, 

Alice, . . . . 

Belle of Albany, 

Bright wood, p., 

and dams of 

Ketch, . . . . 

Hustler, . . . . 

Addison Lambert, 743. 

Susie, . . . . 

Shadow, . . . . 
Aristos, 771. 



SONS OF 



2.2%14 



2,191^ 
2.253^ 
2.26 

2.27K 

2.271^ 

2.28 

2.291^ 

2.19M 

2.183^ 
2.201^ 



2.26 

2.29ii^ 



H. B. Winship, 


. 2.201^ 


"Warren, . 


.. 2.203^ 


R. D. F., . 


. 2.213^ 


Gillig, 


: . 2.233^ 


Aristotle, . 


. 2.233^ 


Col. Kip, . 


. 2.241^ 


Carlotta, . 


. 2.26 


Levi Aristos, 


. . 2.263>^ 


Jno. I., 


. . 2.261^ 


Aristomont, 


. 2 27?^: 


Clegg Wright, 


. 2.29 



DANIEL LAMBERT. 
Essex, .... 
Tamerlane, 3, . 
Frank Dana, 

Lexington Chief (p. 2.2OI4), 
G. H. K., p , . 

and dams of 
Rustic, 
Toney, 

Arnutta, . . . 
Maid of the Wilderness, 
Arpansa, . 
Allmyown, p , . 

Sons have sired 
Aristos, Jr., 2848. 

Treadaway, . 

Don Aristos, 

Lady Vivian, p., . 
Gillig, 14258. 

Rupert Gillig, 

Sue Gillig, 3, 
C. W. Mitchell, 2120. 

Maggie Mitchell, . 

Jno. Mitchell, 

Billy Mitchell, 

and dam of 
Rapid Transit, 
H. B. Wmsiiip, 3874. 
Lady Winship, 

and dams of 
Leicester, 



2.29 
2.29 
2 29^ 
2.30 

2.243^ 

2 27 

2.27 

2.271^ 

2.271^ 

2.30 

2.24}^ 



2241^ 
2.293^ 

2 17^ 

2.21M 
2.251^ 

2.261^ 
2.283^ 

2.293i 
2.233^ 
2 17^.^ 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 



69 



Sprague Winship, 


. 2.291^ 


Sons have sired 




Sherman Akistos. 




California Lambert, 10936. 


Maid of the Wilde 


rness, 2.26J4 


Aaron S., 2, . 


2.29 


Aurora, 188 4. 




Maj. Lambert, p , 3 (r), 


2.194 


Constance, 


. 2.21M 


Glen Allen. 




Maud, 


. 2.27 


B. F. Solon, . 


2.24M 


Daniel Lambert, 


. 2.28 


Rare Ben. 




Bay Lambert, 11839. 




Rare John, . 


2.294 


Miss Fanny Jackson 


. 2 30 


Charlie Wicker, S8U- 




and dams of 


Myrtle S., 


2.26 


Jacksonian, 


. 2.281^ 


Josie D 


2.30 • 


Bessie, 


. 2.2934 


Ghamplain, lOJ^l. 




Bay Star, 11267. 




Chamois, p., . 


2.164 


Amy Lee, 


. . 2.14 


Happy Girl, p.. 


2.2334: 


Roxy Lee, 


. 2.263^ 


CoMen, IO48. 




St. Lambert, . 


. 2.29}^ 


Helen M., . '. 


2.27 


Ben Franklin, 753. 




Cobden, Jr., p.. 


2.15 


Dynamite, 


. 2.20?4 


Cobdela, p., . 


2.21% 


Hulda B., 


. 2.213^ 


Dick Preble. 




May Be, . 


. 2.24 


Lady M., .... 


2.24 


Orwell, 


. 2 24 


Escort, U97. 




Althea, 


. 2.241^ 


Hermie, p., . 


2.241^ 


Rare Ben, 


. 2.26 






Peerless Ben, . 


. 2.261^ 


Firefly, 8953. 




Nimbus, . 


. 2.26^^ 


Delmonte, 


2.2114 


Katisha, . 


. 2 2%% 


Col. Harry Lambert. 




California Lambert, 


. 2.27 


Ethel Lambert, 


2.293^ 


Frank H., 


. 2,273^ 


Harvester. 




Dennis H., 


. 2.28 


J. Y, G., . . .• . 


2.25 


Belle Franklin, 


. 2.28.14 


Lsland Chief, 3899. 




George C, 


. 2.284 


Phil. Dwyer, . 


2.291^ 


Cambridge Girl, 


. 2.2%% 


Jack Lambert, 6190. 




Belle Girl, 


. 2.283^ 


Miss Cawley, . 


2.23K 


Charley Ray, . 


. 2.29 


Jesse Lambert. 




Little Witch, . 


. 2.29 


Flora 


2.25 


R. W. S., 


. 2.291^ 


Jim Lambert. 




Surprise Franklin, 
Bessie, 


. 2.29K 
. 2.293^ 


Eunice 


2.261^ 


Cassie B., 


. 2.293^ 


John Lambert, 1809. 




Helene, 


. 2293.4^ 


Goldfinder, 


2.2314 


McMyatt, 


. 2.30 


Jubilee Lambert, 518. 




K 0. D., 


. 2 30 


Jubilee Lambert, Jr., 


2.21% 


Buck Franklyn, p., 


2, . 2.173^ 


Jubilee De Jarnette, 


2.294 


Henry C, p., . 


. 2.24 


Lambert Chief, 3432. 




and dam 


f 


Minnie Moulton, 


2.271^ 


Cap. Thorne, p., 3, 


. 2.181^ 


Fanny B., 


2.293^ 



70 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 



Lambertus, 2263. 

Sylvester K., , 

Sir Thomas, 
Motion, 1544- 

Whist, 

Daisy Lambert, 

Hattie L., 

Crome, 
Mountain Boy, 4^50. 

Daisy C, . 

Mcintosh, 

Bessie Braddock, 
Premier. 

Blondin, . 
Boyal Lambert, 7012. 

Golden, 



2.201^ 
2.261^ 



2.231^ 

2.25K 
2.26 



2 221^ 
2.271^ 
2.30 

2.283^ 

2.29M 



Star Ethan, 18737. 

Little Dan, . . . 2.19i^ 

Pearl, .... 2.253^ 

S wanton Boy, . . . 2.27)^ 

Split Ears, . . . 2.29^ 
U. Tell, . . . .2.29^ 

Allan, .... 2.30 

Ben H., . . . -. 2.30 

and dam of 

Bessie W., . . . 2.28 

Thought, 16820. 

Archie B., ... 2.18i^ 

Mac, .... 2.203^ 



SIRES WHOSE DAMS ARE BY DANIEL LAMBERT. 



Altar, 2648. 

Grover C, 
Aristos, Jr. 

Treadway, 

Don Aristos, 

Lady Vivian, p. , 
Revenue, 1976. 

Rena Rolfe, 

Mendicant, 

Reve So, . 

Renown, . 



2.30 



2.241^ 
2.293^ 
2.17M 



2.185^ 
2.28>^ 
2.28.1^ 
2.29K 



Calitorkia Lambert, 10936. 

Aaron S., . . . 2.29 

Maj. Lambert, p. (r), . 2.191/4 

FoxwooD, 3406. 

Fox Hunter, . . . 2.30 

Haldane, 4548. 

Hustler, .... 2.203^ 

Howell, 3, . . . 2.261^ 

Halo, .... 2.27 

Pamlico, 7156. 

Little Tobe, 3, . . . 2.293^ 



PERFORMERS WHOSE SECOND DAMS ARE BY DANIEL LAM- 
BERT. 



Butterfly, . 


2.19,34 


Banquet, 


. 2.24 


Pure Wilkes, 


2.19?4 


Nimbus, 


. 2.263^ 


Bessie Wilkeswood, . 


2.20 


Castalia, 


. 2.293^ 


Eagle Bird, . 


2.21 


Capt. Thorne, p., 


. 2.191^ 


OTHER DES 


CENDANTS. 




Monbars, 3, . 


2.1134: 


American Jay, 


. 2.U% 


Galileo Rex, 


2.12% 


Knoxie Walker, . 


. 2.28}4 


Purity Wilkes, 


2.15M 


Rapid Transit, . 


. 2.2934 


Leicester, 


2.173^ 


Sprague Winshiii, 


. 2.293^ 


Alamito, 


2.19 


Hustler, p., 


. 2.1534 


Prue 


2.211^ 


Amy L., p.. 


. 2.21 


Robert M. Taylor, 


2.231^ 


Eagle Princess, p., 


. 2.213^ 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 71 

RECAPITULATION. 

Standard performers, 36 

Sons (29) with 101 

Daughters have produced, 49 

Grandsons (8) with, 13 

Mares by sons have produced, 12 

Sires out of daiighters (7) with . 15 

Daughters have produced the dams of, 8 

Other descendants, 17 

Total, . 351 

" Nothing succeeds like success," and that opportunity has 
very much to do with success none can deny; if Daniel Lambert 
had been taken to Kentucky in his prime and bred to a class 
of mares belonging to Kentucky alone at that time, there is no 
doubt that he would now, instead of being credited with 
thirty-eight trotters in the list, have stood much nearer the 
head of all trotting sires of the world. 

"While Daniel Lambert has wonderfully distinguished him- 
self as a sire of trotters, he has even still greater distinction as 
a progenitor of handsome, stylish, spirited roadsters, with 
speed enough for gentlemen's road driving, and in this respect 
he has never been equaled. 

There were scores of his sons and daughters used as road- 
sters, which were never trained for speed nor stepped upon 
a race-track, that could beat 2.30 on the road with ease, and 
that had beauty and style enough to win the admiration of 
any horseman, and that sold for very high prices. 



CHAPTER YIL 



MORGAN HORSES.— Continued. 



Woodbury Morgan — Royal Morgan — Morgan Caesar — Green Mountain 
Morgan — Morgans for stage purposes — Morgans for cavalry service 
— Adaptation to rough and hilly roads — As trotters — Ripton — Last 
message of Ethan Allen. 

AMONG other individual members who have contributed 
to establish and perpetuate this great and mighty 
family may be mentioned "Woodbury Morgan, foaled in 1816, 
the property of Lyman Wright of Tunbridge, Yt. He was a 
dark, rich chestnut, with one white hind foot and a stripe in 
his face. He was fourteen and three-quarters hands high and 
weighed 990 pounds. He was a very handsome, bold, and 
stylish horse, with great resolution and nervous temperament. 
He was a good driver and appeared well in harness, but 
showed to the best advantage under the saddle and was the 
best parade horse of his day. He was sired by Justin Morgan, 
dam untraced. He finally died in Alabama in 1838 from 
exposure in a long and stormy sea voyage, at twelve and one- 
half years old, perfectly sound. 

Mr. Lindsley, in " Morgan Horses," says : 

" Royal Morgan was foaled in 1821, the property of Mr. 
Aldrich of St. Johnsbury, Yt., sired by Sherman ; dam known 
as the Aldrich mare, and sired by Justin Morgan. She was a 
dark bay of remarkably compact form, with great powers of 
endurance, having produced and nursed a colt when twenty- 
nine years old. Royal Morgan was thirteen and three-quarters 
hands high and weighed 975 pounds ; color, dark bay with full 
black points and a small star in forehead. This horse was 
taken to Maine and had much to do with establishing the 
noted roadsters and gentlemen's driving horses of that State, 

(72) 



n fcri 

o PS 

p 

S C 

2. Q 

s ^ 

o 5^ 



td 



ffi 




THE MORGAN HORSE. 73 

and was brought back again to Yermont and was owned by a 
Mr. Crane, and by some known to this day as the Crane horse. 
Mr. Crane became so much attached to this horse that a short 
time previous to his death he directed that a likeness of the 
horse should be carved on his tombstone, which, I believe, has 
been done. "When I last heard of this horse he was thirty-five 
years old and as sound and limber as a colt." 

From the same source of information I gather the fol- 
lowing : 

" Morgan Caesar was foaled in 1828, the property of H. 
Smith of Hartland, Yt. ; sired by Woodbury, dam by Quick- 
silver. He was fifteen hands high and weighed 1,100 pounds, 
was a fast driver — could go a mile in those times in three 
minutes, and was driven twelve miles with two men in a sleigh 
in forty-four minutes. 

" This horse stood several seasons in the State of Maine, 
and was really the founder of that family, or class, of roadsters 
for which Maine has become quite famous. But the Yermont- 
ers were too shrewd to allow him to always remain in the Old 
Pine Tree State and got him back again to that of the Green 
Mountains, where he died in 1848, aged twenty years, and he 
also died sound in limb. His stock was among the best-selling 
stock in Yermont, and geldings of his get brought from $300 
to $500 each." 

Again: "Green Mountain Morgan — Hale's, — was foaled 
in 1831 ; sire, Gilford Morgan ; g. s. Woodbury ; g. g. s. Justin 
Morgan and dam sired by Woodbury, a dark bay mare of 
beauty and action. 

" Green Mountain was fourteen and one-half hands high 
and weighed 1,100 pounds; color, a deep bay. He was a great 
show horse ; was taken West in 1853 and exhibited at several 
fairs and took first premium at State fairs at Kentucky, Ohio, 
and Michigan. In 1851 he received first premium at the Yer- 
mont State Fair. He was a horse of great muscular develop- 
ment and remarkably nervous and spirited action. 

" A boldness in his style, a fire in his eye, and an unceasing 



74 THE MORGAN HORSE. ' 

play to every muscle, once seen by any person having a taste 
for a fine horse could never be forgotten. In boldness and 
gracefulness of style he was considered incomparable in his 
day, and when he appeared on the show-grounds at Louisville, 
Ky., at the State Fair in 1853, he met with a cordial welcome 
and was greeted on entering the exhibition ring mth such 
eagerness and applause that told full plainly that his form and 
style of action were new to the Kentuckians, and was, never- 
theless, appreciated by the thousands of strangers before whom 
he was moving. 

" It may be proper to state here that this horse was taken 
from Yermont to Dayton, Ohio, in a box car, without any stop 
for rest. The fair being over he went directly to Detroit, ar- 
riving there after the commencement of their fair. From 
Detroit he went directly to Louisville, where he arrived late at 
night previous to the last day of their fair. When brought 
into the ring of stallions the next morning, the blue ribbon — 
the highest prize — had just been tied on a beautiful dapple 
gray of the Gray Eagle stock, but when Green Mountain, 
then nineteen years old, pranced by the grand stand, the mul- 
titude immediately shouted, ' Take it off ! Take it off.' It was, 
accordingly, transferred to Green Mountain." 

As before stated, the Morgans are a general purpose breed. 
This is most emphatically true. In New England we find 
them doing the work on the farms, doing livery business, used 
as family horses, and they are much sought after as roadsters 
and gentlemen's drivers. Before the advent of railroads, when 
traveling was all done by horse power, we find some of the 
best and most durable horse teams in the land composed of 
these same little Morgans. 

Mr. Lindsley says: "For stage purposes their equal for 
hilly countries has never been found. As a case in point I will 
state an old-time incident, occurring some fifty years since. A 
party of gentlemen made a trip to the White Mountains. 
After having made the customary examinations they arrived 
late one night at the Franconia ' Notch House.' Here they 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 75 

learned that a stage would leave for St. Jolinsbury the next 
morning on its last trip for the season, it being then late in the 
month of September. This being the route our party preferred 
taking they engaged passage at once. Consequently the next 
morning, six good-sized individuals, besides the driver, with 
about an ordinary horse-load of baggage were stowed away in 
the rugged looking stage-wagon to which was attached a pair 
of medium-sized horses, as follows: The near one, a gelding of 
a dark chestnut color, about fourteen and onet-half hands high,, 
very closely and compactly built, with a clean, small head 
and exceedingly small ears set wide apart and very lively and 
active. The other was a gray mare somewhat heavier and 
considerably taller. She had a fine, long hip, well-shaped 
shoulders, and was, on the whole, a very fine animal. 

" The party all objected to starting out with so small a. 
team which they deemed quite unable for such a load to bo 
drawn over such a mountainous and hilly road ; but as re- 
monstrances prevailed nothing the passengers fell to discussing 
the chances of getting on with their infant team, as they fa- 
cetiously called it, and, from this, to discussing the relative 
merits of their two nags. 

"One of the party whose fancy had been taken by tho 
brilliant but pleasant eye that stood 'out large and free, the 
ever restless ears, and the strong, muscular loins and quarters 
of the chestnut, proposed to back the. horse, much to the 
amusement of most of the party. 

" When, at length, the driver gathered up the ribbons and 
gave the word, the mare dashed ahead as if determined to drag 
the driver off the seat. The horse struck a short, nervous trot,. 
without fretting, and kept steady at it. The mare took the 
whole thing for the first half mile almost entirely by th» bit^ 
and the travelers had a hearty laugh at the judgment of my 
Rhode Island friend who had 'backed' the chestnut horse. 

" A half hour passed and with it a good five miles of the 
road; by this time 'bets were not so freely offered on the 
mare ;' she had commenced to slacken her pace, perspired freely. 



76 THE MORGAN HORSE. 

moved unsteadily, with an occasional toss of the head that 
plainly told that she was beginning to lose her interest in the 
trip. 

"As to the horse, not a muscle moved save those of the 
ears. Thus they kept on for fourteen miles, which was the end 
of the first stage ; the mare much fatigued with panting and 
exhaustion. Here they were to have a fresh team, but owing 
to a horse being very lame from a recent severe sprain, the 
driver changed but one and drove the chestnut gelding through 
to St. Johnsbury, some fourteen miles further. This seemed 
to the party rather hard, but the horse did not seem to mind it 
in the least, and up the long hill leading into St. Johnsbury he 
pressed on at the same short, nervous trot which he had main- 
tained all the way. On leaving the stage at St. Johnsbury, 
the party took a good look at the little horse that had achieved 
such a wonderful task, and were told by an old horseman that 
knew, that the little chestnut was a son of old Sherman Mor- 
gan, that he was eighteen years old, and that he had been run- 
ning constantly on a stage team for eleven years." 

Endurance is pre-eminently the heirloom of the Morgan 
family. 

As regards the adaptability of Morgans as stage horses, Mr. 
Lindsley says : " I will here give the statement of an old 
^ stager ' by the name of Milo June, who, by the way, was con- 
sidered one of the best judges of his day. When asked to give his 
views respecting Morgans as stagers, he said : ' I have spent the 
greater portion of my life in staging, formerly in Vermont, 
now in Missouri. I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the 
decided superiority of the Morgan horses for coach service over 
any others that I have ever used. I have bought many horses 
in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri, and al- 
though an occasional good roadster may be found, they are not 
common. Many of the horses of these States have fine forms 
and good carriage, yet lack the high, . free spirit, unflinching- 
courage, and iron constitutions the Vermont Morgans so gener- 
ally possess. 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 77 

" ' Very many of the Western horses are too large. Large 
horses may be the best for draft, but I have always found 
horses of medium size, ranging, say, from 1,000 to 1,050 pounds, 
the most serviceable and enduring by far when used before a 
coach.' " 

D. C. Lindsley, Esq., the author of " Morgan Horses," also 
says that Mr. O. Walker, one of the most successful stage 
owners of our country in his time, and who was well known 
both in the East and the West (and the great fortune which he 
secured by his own exertions sufficiently attests his practical 
wisdom and sound judgment), in a letter dated Chicago, April 
21, 1856, says: 

" Being a Vermonter, I have known Morgan horses as long 
as I have known any. I have resided in Chicago the last 
seventeen years, during which time I have been largely en- 
gaged in the business of staging, which business affords con- 
stant employment for about 1,500 horses, and have thus had 
opportunities for observing and attesting the capacity and en- 
durance of horses. I have no hesitation in saying I consider 
the Morgan horse far superior to any other breed or blood I 
have ever known for the road or farm ; in fact, I would prefer 
them over all others for any kind of service on the American 
continent. They are invariably good feeders and easily kept, 
and will not only perform and do more service in a year, but 
will give more years of service than any other breed of horses I 
have ever known. 

" Of the horses hitherto raised in the Western States, and 
particularly west of the Lakes (although much improved within 
a few years, and many fine horses may now be found among 
them), it is undeniably true that a Morgan horse from New 
England will outlast two horses raised in the West. 

" It is also true that but few Morgan horses have as yet 
been brought from 'New England, west of the Lakes, and gen- 
erally true that their services are very much sought by intelli- 
gent breeders throughout the country. Any number of inferior 
horses may be found in the West which are claimed to be of 



78 THE MORGAN HORSE. 

Morgan blood. This attempt to palm off counterfeits is the 
highest evidence of the value of the genuine blood. 

" The ready and general objection in the West with those 
who are not familiar with the Morgans, is want of size, forget- 
ting that their size should be judged by their weight and not by 
the length of their legs, and that the same bodies upon long 
legs would look much larger." 

During the War of the Rebellion in the United States, there 
was a great demand for medium-sized horses for the cavalry 
service, and not only the States, but Canada as well, was 
drained of this class, especially geldings, to supply the demand. 

Of all the mounted troops passing under the review at 
Washington of the late lamented Gen. Grant — a great lover 
of fine horses — none were so pleasing to his practiced eye as 
the Vermont Cavalry whose mount consisted principally of 
Morgans. 

The Morgan producing States, viz., Yermont and New 
Hampshire, were during this war so completely drained of 
their stock that in order to supply their customers, who by this 
time had become quite numerous, they — some of them — 
bought up light horses from the West and from Maine and 
Canada and after acclimating them among the mountains, were 
ready to sell to inexperienced buyers as Morgans. 

I don't accuse the breeders or farmers of practicing this 
fraud, but charge it to the dealers and jockeys. There have 
been so many horses, first and last, sold for Morgans, that were 
but little, if any, akin to them, and that were so lacking in the 
general requisites of the true Morgan, that many have been 
sadly disappointed as to the expectations they had formed of 
their ability to perform all that was claimed for them. 

A well-bred horse of the old stock of New England Mor- 
gans has never yet, to my knowledge, deceived the purchaser, 
but of course they should not be held responsible for the class 
of horses sold for New England Morgans, whose veins contain, 
perhaps, not one drop of the blood of old Justin Morgan. This 
style of horse-jocke}'' dicker has done more injury to the Mor- 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 79 

gan family of horses than any and all things else that has 
been done to their detriment. 

The Morgans seem especially adapted to the rough and 
hilly country roads of New England from the fact that they 
are sure-footed ; they are almost iron hoofed ; they are able to 
descend the steepest hills on a round trot, and their adaptability 
to ascend or climb those same hills, even with a load, would 
put to shame many much larger horses. 

As to the success of the Morgans in the trotting circuit we 
find by the records that no less than 100 Morgan stallions 
have sired trotters with well-earned records of 2.30 or less, and 
that such Morgan trotters number more than 200. 

Of the nine stallions of all the trotting stallions in the 
world up to 1887, who had sired individual trotters whose win- 
nings on the trotting turf had amounted to $10,000 and 
upwards, we find that three out of the nine were Morgans, viz., 
Black Hawk, Ethan Allen, and Daniel Lambert — father, son, 
and grandson. 

The Morgans were among the earlier trotters of the United 
States and figured on the trotting turf long before it had any 
such race-tracks as we now find all through our land. (The race 
tracks of those days were usually half-mile tracks and at the 
present day would be considered but mere apologies for the 
development of speed.) And long before America's best hick- 
ory wood and the best manufactured steel had done so much 
towards producing light and suitable vehicles such as we now 
have, saying nothing about the bike which has — it is claimed 
— reduced the records from the best and lightest high-wheel 
sulky, very materially. 

Among the recorded trotting performances in races of from 
forty to sixty years ago, may be found the following : 

RiPTON, the fastest trotting son of Sherman Morgan, made his debut on 
the trotting tracks of New York and Philadelphia in 1835. He successfully 
•competed with the best trotters of his day and scored a record of 2.38 (one 
mile in harness) and 5.15 — two miles in harness. (See Eipton in " Old Time 
Trotters," Chap. XXII.) 



80 THE MORGAN HORSE. 

About 52 years ago Black Hawk won a race by trotting- 
five miles in fifteen minutes, and in 1843 he won a race of two 
miles with ease in 5.43 and single mile heats in about 2.40. 

" In 1853, his daughter, Black Hawk Maid, won a race of 
two mile heats in 5.23, in 1861 his son, Lancet, made a record 
of 2.27i. Lady Sutton, by Morgan Eagle, w^on a mile race in 
5.17. Beppo, by Gifford Morgan, won a race in 2.31^, and 
Pizarro, by Morgan Caesar, also won a race in 2.35." 

I mention these few instances of old-time fast trotting of 
Moro-an horses, not to call the attention of my readers to their 
records as being fast as compared to the best records of the 
present day, but merely to show that the Morgans of "ye 
olden tyme " were possessed of some speed at the trot ; and now,, 
when we compare those records with the best of the present 
day, considering all the contingencies of the case, those old- 
time Morgan trotters,. with but little development and minus 
track advantages and speed-producing vehicles and appliances 
of our time, were not so far behind the modern trotter as 
would seem at the first glance at the records. 

The Morgans are our oldest trotting family, and if they 
have not produced our very fastest trotters, their produce de- 
serves to stand at the very head of all, as good tempered, hardy, 
and pleasant roadsters. 

Of all the Morgan horses ever bred perhaps no individual 
among them has attracted the attention of the American peo- 
ple equal to Ethan Allen eighteen years before the public as a 
show horse and a trotter. His great race with Dexter in 1867, 
June 21st, and which crowned him as King of the Morgans, is. 
still remembered by msiny. 

This horse was finally purchased by the Messrs. Sprague 
and Aikers for stock purposes, and died on their Kansas stock 
farm in 1876, aged twenty-seven years. 

The following soliloquy from the "American Horse 
Breeder" may not be out of place here, as the 



THE MORGAN HORSE. 81 

LAST MESSAGE OF ETHAN ALLEN. 

" I stand and gaze to the eastward, 
O'er prairies rolling and low ; 
Seeking in vain for the mountains 
And the friends of long ago. 

And I long for the evergreen forests, 

For the sound of the brooklet's rill: 
And a draught of the sparkling water 

From the spring at the foot of the hill. 

Time is fleeting, years are passing, 

Tears are dropping; I'm alone; 
Quite forgotten, thinking, longing, 

For my loved Green Mountain home, 

When my form was lithe and youthful, 

Like the Indian's supple bow; 
When my flight was like the eagle's. 

Or tlie lightning's vivid glow. 

Days of triumph, days of victory. 

Dexter beaten, 'spite the taunt: 
' He is nothing but a Morgan 

Who is fighting for Vermont.' 

I can hear the joyous shouting, 

I can see the flowers they bring 
To deck their own, loved Ethan Allen, 

Crowned that day ' The Morgan King.' 

Tell me, have they quite forgotten 

All the deeds that I have done ? 
Do they think of Ethan Allen 

At the setting of the sun ? " 



CHAPTER yill. 



RYSDYKE'S HAMBLETONIAN. 



History and pedigree — The Charles Kent mare — Imported Belf ounder — 
Abdallah, sire of Hambletonian — Stud career — Great value of the get 
of Hambletonian — Hambletonian's sons of renown. 

THE history of this world-renowned sire of speed and that 
of his ancestors is an interesting topic to all, and espe- 
cially to those who are just entering the breeding ranks ; but 
it is already so familiar to the practical breeder and to many 
lovers of the American trotting horse that they know it by 
heart. 

In the summer of 1848 Mr. Joseph Seeley of Sugar Loaf, 
Orange County, I^. Y., bred an animal known as the Charles 
Kent mare to Abdallah, by Mambrino, a son of Imported 
Messenger. The result of this service was a bay colt with two 
white feet and ankles and a small star, which was afterwards 
known as Rysdyke's Hambletonian ; which, when a weanling 
in 1849, was sold with its dam to a Dutch farmer of the same 
county named William Rysdyke — the price of both being 
$125. 

This Charles Kent mare was bred by J. S. Jackson of 
Oxford, N. Y., and foaled in 1834; hence was fifteen years 
old when she produced this noted son. 

This ma,re was a daughter of Imported Belfounder, a beau- 
tiful and powerful although not large horse, bred in Norfolk 
County, England, foaled in 1816, and imported to Boston, 
Mass., in the ship JRasselas, arriving there July 11, 1822. 

He was imported by James Boot, who paid £700 sterling, 
or about $3,500, for him in England ; he was a natural trotter 
and fast. Extracts from his service card for 1823 read as 
follows : 

(83) 



rysdyke's hambletonian. 83 

" Belfounder was got by that well-known, fast, and high- 
formed trotter. Old Belfounder, out of Velocity, by Haphazard, 
by Sir Peter, out of Miss Hewey, by Eclipse ; grand-dam was 
of good IS'orth Country blood, but not thoroughbred. Velocity 
trotted on the Norwich road in 1806 ten miles in one hour, and 
though she broke fifteen times into a gallop and as often 
turned around, she won the match. In 1803 she trotted 
twenty-eight m^iles in one hour and forty-seven minutes, and 
has also done many other great performances against time. 

" Belfounder, at five years old, trotted two miles in six 
minutes and in the following year was matched to trot nine 
miles in thirty minutes, which he won easily by twenty-two 
seconds. His owner afterwards challenged to perform with 
him seventeen and one half miles in one hour, but it was not 
accepted ; he has since never been saddled nor matched. 

" Old Belfounder was a true descendant from the original 
blood of the Fireaways, which breed of horses stand unrivaled 
for the saddle, either in this or any other nation." 

As to the Fireaways mentioned in the above advertisement, 
we have an account of a great many performers of this family 
in England ; among others of a mare called l^onpareil trotting 
in a vehicle called a match cart 100 miles in nine hours and 
fifty-seven seconds ; her sire was Fireaway, owned in the 
county of I^orfolk. 

A son of this same Fireaway, called E"orfolk Phenomenon, 
out of a Shields mare, is spoken of by the London Sunday 
Times of May, 1839, as " the fastest trotter that ever stepped. 
He is known to have joerformed two miles in five minutes and 
four seconds and is said to have trotted twenty-four miles in 
an hour." 

From the above it would seem that the Fireaways were a 
remarkable trotting family, and from this it would seem that 
the trotting instincts received by Bysdyke's Hambletonian 
from Abdallah and Bishop's Hambletonian, through Imported 
Messenger, were very materially strengthened by the Bel- 
founder cross in his dam. 



84 rysdyke's hambletonian. 

Belfounder stood at Charlestown, Mass., about six years, 
and was then leased to parties in New York State for $500 per 
year. He finally died on Long Island in 1843. 

His blood mixed admirably with that of Abdallah and 
Clay. The dam of Sayer's Harry Clay, 2.29, was by Imported 
Belfounder. Sayer's Harry Clay got the dams of twelve 2.30 
trotters, and also the dam of the great Electioneer with 150 
performers in the list with records ranging from 2.08i to 2.30. 

The Charles Kent mare was naturally a very superior ani- 
mal. "When three years old she was purchased from her 
breeder by a Mr. Seeley for $300. He sold her for $400 to a 
Mr. Pray, who sold her to a New York butcher named Chivers 
for $500, who, in turn, sold her to a banker for $600. 

While owned by the New York banker she became so lame 
as to be unfit for road work, and was sold to Charles Kent, who 
bred her to Webber's Tom Thumb, the produce being a filly 
which bred to Vernol's Black Hawk, son of Long Island Black 
Hawk, brought the noted trotting sire. Green's Bashaw, whose 
list of 2.30 performers outnumbers that of any other stallion 
tracing in the male line to the noted stallion Andrew Jackson. 

One Eye, dam of the Charles Kent mare, was by Bishop's 
Hambletonian, out of Silver Tail by Imported Messenger. 
Bishop's Hambletonian was by Imported Messenger, out of 
Pheasant by Shark ; he by Marske, sire of the great English 
race horse "• English Eclipse." 

Abdallah, the sire of Hambletonian, was a bay horse, fifteen 
and three-quarters hands high, bred on Long Island, N. Y., got 
by Mambrino and foaled in 1823, hence was twenty -six years 
of age when Hambletonian was foaled. 

Abdallah was a coarse, homely horse, and was never well 
patronized in the stud. J. W. Hunt of Lexington, Ky., pur- 
chased him in the fall of 1839, and rode him from New York 
city to Lexington, Ky., and made the season of 1840 with him 
at Lexington. But he failed to be appreciated by the breeders 
of the Blue Grass country, and his stud duties were said to be 
very light. 



rysdyke's hambletonian. 85 

He afterwards stood in New Jersey, and in 1849 stood at 
the "Bull's Head" at New York with fee reduced to $15, yet 
still without much patronage. 

His coarse, ungainly looks, together with his rather unpleas- 
ant disposition, which, it is said, he transmitted, was greatly 
against him. In appearance. Old Abdallah, as he was called, 
was a brown bay, standing fifteen hands three inches, with a 
coarse, bony" head, a gamey, resolute eye Avith considerable 
white around the edge of the lid (such as is often seen on pie- 
bald horses), prominent ears, short neck, high, sharp withers, 
being higher forward than behind, strong but rather narrow 
loin, straight croup, tail light and set very high, being on a line 
with the backbone and having but little hair on it — being 
what is called a rat-tail. 

He was an all around homely horse, but with a good set of 
legs and feet. He was never broken to the harness, but under 
the saddle could show about a three-minute clip, and had a 
clean, open gait, and good knee action, and his get were mostly 
all trotters. 

He was finally given to a farmer, who sold him to a Long 
Island fisherman for $35, who, thinking he might utilize him in 
delivering the products ot the ocean to his customers, hitched 
him to his cart. Abdallah, still having notions of his own, 
considered the cart of more account for kindling wood, and 
consequently kicked it into numerous fine pieces ; after which 
the disgusted fisherman turned the horse loose upon the sands, 
where he finally died of starvation, in November, 1854, at the 
age of thirty-one years, as sound as a colt. 

'- Rysdyke's Hambletonian stands to-day at the very head of 
all horses ever foaled in America, or the world, as the great 
progenitor of trotters, lie was very successful in the stud, and 
sired 1,333 living foals. He made his owner, the late William 
Rysdyke, both rich and famous, and after his death, in March, 
1876, strangers contributed to build him a lasting granite mon- 
ument to perpetuate his memory. 



86 hambletonian's stud career. 

Hamhletonian' s Stud Career. 

When Hambletonian was two years old he served four 
mares and three foals resulted therefrom, Alexander's Abdallah 
being one of them. When he was three years old he served 
seventeen mares, getting thirteen foals — Lady Woodhull, the 
dam of Hambletonian (1221) which horse made a record of 
2.26i in 1885, being one of them. 

The same year Hambletonian was shown at the New York 
State Fair, and defeated Roe's Abdallah Chief in two heats, 
time 3.03 and 2.48. Some ignore this performance entirely, 
but that something did give Hambletonian a boom the year 
afterwards cannot be denied, for 101 mares were served by him, 
which was something unheard-of for a four-year-old colt. 

That year he sired seventy-eight living foals, and among 
them Volunteer and Logan. In 1854, when but five years old, 
his fee was raised from $25 to $35, and that year he sired the 
famous George Wilkes, Edward Everett, and Billy Denton. In 
1855 he sired Sackett's Hambletonian. In 1856 he sired Lady 
Augusta, 2.30i, and Belle Brandon, dam of Amy, 2.20J, and 
Gov. Sprague, 2.20|. The next year, when eight years old, he 
sired Dexter, 2.17i, and so on to the end. 

To show his recognized merit at that time, in 1863 his service 
fee was raised from $35 to $75, at which he received 150 mares, 
and that year he sired Jay Gould, 2.20^, Harold, Peacemaker, 
Regulus, Hotspur, Lysander, Macedonian, Idol, and Belle, the 
dam of Elmer, 2.22i. In 1864, when fifteen years old, his pat- 
ronage was 217 mares, from which came 148 foals, a feat never 
performed by any other noted horse, excepting, perhaps, Blue 
Bull. 

From this season's service came Hagaperion, 2.19^, Gazelle, 
2.21, Effie Deans, 2.25^, Messenger Durock, Walkill Chief, 
Knickerbocker, Rysdyke, Mihvaukee, Chosroes, Jack Shep- 
herd, Virgo-Hambletonian, Reporter, Mape's Horse, Bucking- 
ham, Bay Billy, Sampson, Ouida, dam of Trinket, 2.14, Miss 
Brunette, dam of Black Prince, 2.25i, etc. 



hambletonian's stud career. 



87 



So rapidly grew his reputation that in 1864 his fee was put 
to $100 ; in 1865, to $300, and the next year at $500, and con- 
tinued at that. 

The blood of Seeley's American Star mingled kindly with 
that of Hambletonian ; the union gave us great performances 
on the track, such as Dexter, 2.17;^, Nettie, 2.18, and Orange 
Girl, 2.20. 

Prominent among the Hambletonian-Star family stallions 
are Dictator, sire of Jay Eye See, 2.10i, Phallas, 2.15^, and 
Director, 2.17 ; Aberdeen, sire of Hattie Woodward, 2. 15 J, and 
Modoc, 2.19 J ; Jay Gould, sire of Adele Gould, 2.19; Startle, 
sire of Majolica, 2.17; Walkill Chief, sire of Great Eastern, 
2.18, and Dick Swiveller, 2.18. 

Eobert McGregor, 2.171-, is by a grandson of Hamble- 
tonian out of Nancy Whitman by Seeley's American Star ; 
and Driver, 2.19^, is by Yolunteer, out of Silver Tail by 
Seeley's American Star. 

Hambletonian was the sire of thirty-seven in the 2.30 list, 
which thirty-seven animals (it is said) either sold for, or in their 
palmy days would have sold for the magnificent sum of 
$339,000, and has been figured out as follows : 



Administrator, 


. 2.291^ 


$5,000 


Jay Gould, 


2.21 J^ 130,000 


Alma, 


. 2.283^ 


2,500 


Jerome, . 


2.27 


3,000 


Astoria, . 


. 2.291^ 


2,500 


Kisber, . 


2.273^ 


7,000 


Belle, . 


. 2.22 


15,000 


Lydia Augusta, 


2.30 


2,500 


Breeze, . 


. 2.24 


6,000 


Lady Banker, . 


2.23 


8,000 


Bruno, 


. 2.29K 


15,000 


Lottery, . 


2.27 


4,000 


Chester, . 


. 2.27 


3,500 


Lottie, . 


2.28 


4,000 


Deucalion, 


. 2.22 


10,000 


Madeline, 


2.2314 


6,000 


Dexter, . 


. 2.1714 


35,000 


Margarite, 


2.29 


2,50o 


Drift, 


. 2.293^ 


5,000 


Mattie, . 


2.221^ 


15,000 


Effle Deems, 


. 2.251^ 


4,000 


Maud, 


2.293^ 


3,000 


Ella Madden, 


. 2.253^ 


4,000 


Nettie, . 


2.18 


25,000 


Enfield, . 


. 2.29 


10,000 


Nutwood (to wagon) 


, 2.23 


4,000 


Factory Girl, 


. 2.293^ 


3,000 


Orange Girl, . 


2.20 


10,000 


Gazelle, . 


. 2.21 


20,000 


Scotland Maid, 


2.281^ 


4,000 


George Wilkes 


. 2.22 


25,000 


Sentinel, . 


2.293^ 


10,000 


Hamperion, 


. 2.29K 


3,500 


Small Hopes, . 


2.2Q}4 


8,000 


Harvest QueeE 


L, . 2.291^ 


8,000 


Young Bruno, 


2.223J 


8,000 


James, Jr., 


. 2.24 


8,000 









88 HAMBLETONIAN S STUD CAREER. 

The average price of the thirty-seven 2.30 performers being 
a fraction over $9,162. Dictator was sold for §25,000 when 
twenty years old. 

The stallions in this list which have won renown in the 
stud are Administrator, George Wilkes, Jay Gould, and Sen- 
tinel, Their united progeny would have sold for a fabulous 
amount of money. 

The fastest of the get of the above performing sires are 
as follows : Administrator, Catchfi}^, 2.18i ; George Wilkes, 
Wilson, 2.16i; Jay Gould, Pixley, 2.16; and Sentinel, Von 
Arnim, 2.19|. 

Of the trotting stallions of the world having a total of 
fifty or more in the list, arranged according to their respective 
standing as measured by the total number of standard per- 
formers, are Electioneer, with 150 ; ]^utwood, with 106 ; Red 
Wilkes, with 102 ; Happy Medium, with 88 ; George Wilkes, 
with 78 ; Onward, with 77 ; Blue Bull, with 60 ; Egbert, with 
60 ; and Alcantara, with 51. 

Of these nine greatest sires in the world, four are the sons 
of Hambletonian, three are his grandsons, and one is his great- 
grandson. 

As to the source from which Hambletonian derived his 
marvelous speed-producing qualities with the power to per- 
petuate the same to his descendants, I claim, and always have 
claimed, that there should be as much credit given his dam as 
to his sire, and that this great Norfolk born-trotter, Imported 
Belfounder, a direct descendant of the great Fireaway family 
of England, should receive as much credit as Imported Mes- 
senger. 

I know that Wallace laid great stress on the fact that 
Hambletonian was " inbred to Messenger " ; 3'es, he was, but 
all the Messenger strains in Hambletonian combined made 
him but one-fourth Messenger. He was also one-fourth Bel- 
founder ; just as much Belfounder as Messenger. 

We find the potency of the Belfounder blood in the Clay 
family, as more trotters trace to Sayer's Harry Clay than aU. 



hambletonian's stud career. 89 

other Clays put together (excepting, of course, his ancestors), 
and his dam was by Imported Belfounder. 

Then there is in Hambletonian's greatest son, Electioneer, 
with 155 sons and daughters in the list, an additional strain of 
Belfounder blood through his dam, whose sire was Sayer's 
Harry Clay. 

Then the greatest sire of all the Bashaw family was Green's 
Bashaw, whose grand-dam was the Charles Kent mare, dam 
of Hambletonian, by Imported Belfounder. 



CHAPTEE IX. 



ALEXANDER'S ABDALLAH. 



Pedigree and early history — His speed potency — Sprague's Hambletonian 
one of his best, ones — Sprague's Hambletonian sire of Governor 
Sprague — Abdallah in motion. 

IT has for years been a disputed question among horsemen 
as to which of the sons of Rsy dyke's Hambletonian was 
the most potent factor and deserving of the most credit in es- 
tablishing the American trotter. Of course if we go by the 
records, Electioneer leads all others ; but if we go by age and 
opportunity, giving him full credit, I am disposed to favor Ab- 
dallah (15) foaled in 1852, got by Hambletonian (10) — at the 
age of two years — bred by L. J. Sutton of Warwick, N". Y., 
and sold to Major Edsall, a hotel-keeper of Goshen, Orange 
County, N. Y., and by him sold to Messrs. Love and Miller of 
Cynthiana, Ky., in February, 1859, for $2,500. He was taken 
to Kentucky and his name changed from Edsall's Hambletonian 
to Love's Abdallah. 

When the war came on, Mr. Love was afraid of losing his 
horse and proposed selling him to Lord Eobert A. Alexander, 
proprietor of Woodburn Farm, believing him safe in the 
hands of a British subject. Mr. Alexander at first declined to 
purchase, but finally made Love an offer for him provided he 
could be made to trot in 2.35 with a month's handling — 2.42 
being his record. James Monroe, who was then working for 
Mr. Alexander, took the horse and in two weeks' handling he 
trotted a full mile in 2.30i, and the deal was completed, Mr. 
Alexander paying $2,500 in cash and another good horse. His 
name was then changed to Alexander's Abdallah. The histo- 
ry of his being stolen by the guerrillas, re-captured by Union 
troops, and ridden to death at the age of thirteen years is 

familiar to all. 

(90) 



ALEXANDER'S ABDALLAH. '91 

The blood of Alexander's Abdallali is potent and speed giv- 
ing generation after generation. Had he the opportunities of 
George Wilkes, Electioneer, and many others of the sons of 
Hambletonian, I have no hesitancy in going on record as say- 
ing he was one of the very best of all the great sons of that 
great progenitor of trotting speed. As it is, if we give him 
credit for all that justly belongs to him, and thus placing him 
as the grand-sire of Gov. Sprague, who was undoubtedly sired 
by Sprague's Hambletonian, who, in turn, was unquestionably 
one of Alexander's Abdallah's best sons; then, and not till 
then, can we count on his true merits as one of our greatest 
progenitors of trotting speed. 

Sprague's Hambletonian was kept for stock purposes only 
one season and not advertised at that, but was used as a road- 
horse both in ISTew York and Rhode Island, and with his mate, 
Belle Brandon, was considered at one time the best road team 
in ]^ew York city. He was then known by the name of ISTew 
York. He, with his mate, Belle Brandon, was purchased by 
Col. Amasa Sprague of Rhode Island, and his name changed 
to Sprague's Hambletonian. Col. Sprague used them as a road 
team, and a good team it was — I remember them well — and 
in 1870 they were mated together, the result of which union 
was a black colt afterwards known as Governor Sprague, but 
recorded as the son of a horse called Rhode Island. 

He also sired Boston-Boy-Hambletonian, 2.25, Gov. Dimon, 
Col. Sprague, Lady Sprague, and a few other good ones in 
Connecticut and Rhode Island. The three last-named foals of 
Sprague's Hambletonian were all bred by myself in- 1875 — 
foaled in 1876 — and could all trot ; the two former were great 
roadsters and very fast although never trained for speed. 

Sprague's Hambletonian died in Pomfret, Conn., in the 
fall of 1876 of epizootic and the want of proper care. He was 
a great horse, and I claim that with equal opportunities, the 
peer of any of the sons of Abdallah, 

Abdallah died at thirteen years of age, just as he was be- 
ginning and had an opportunity to make for himself a noted 



1)2 ALEXANDER'S ABDALLAH. 

name at the head of the Woodburn trotting stud. He sired 
that greatest campaigner of her time, Goldsmith Maid, 2.14, 
Eosalind, 2.21|, Thorndale, 2.21^, Major Edsall, 2.29, and St. 
Ehno, 2.30. He also sired thirteen sons, who, altogether, sired 
twenty-four trotters and four pacers better than 2.30. He also 
sired nineteen mares who have produced twenty trotters and 
two pacers better than 2.30, besides being the legitimate grand- 
sire of Gov. Sprague, the founder of the Sprague family. 

Alexander's Abdallah in motion was one of the grandest 
horses ever seen. His dam, Katy Darling, like the dams of 
most great horses, was much more than an ordinary mare. 
She was a noted road mare of her day and was undoubtedly 
well-bred, although, unfortunately for the breeding student, her 
breeding cannot be satisfactorily traced. 



CHAPTER X. 

• THE ELECTIONEERS. 
Electioneer the greatest trotting sire of the world — Superior to his sire — 
A natural trotter — Marvin's description of him — Ability to get early 
and extreme speed — List of performers and dams of performers. 

ELECTIONEER, the greatest trotting sire of the world, 
was foaled in 1868. He was bred by Charles Backman 
of Stony-Ford Stock Farm in Orange County, ]^. Y., at which 
place his dam now lies under a monument raised to the memory 
of this great mother of trotters, and not very far from where 
the monument marking the resting place of his honored sire, 
the Hero of Chester, points its finger of memory upwards and 
onward, and where horsemen, in years to come, traveling in 
that region, will remember the great hero of trotting speedy 
now lying under the " live oaks " at Palo Alto, Cal. 

Electioneer, before going to California in 1876, at the age of 
eight years, had no opportunity in the stud, so his achievements 
and those of his family really date from 18Y8. And in esti- 
mating his rank as a sire this fact should be considered, and 
the records may be searched in vain to find another family line 
that in the short space of twelve years (as he died in 1890) rose 
to such an enviable position. 

In color and general conformation Electioneer resembles his 
sire, Hambletonian ; and being out of the greatest mare ever 
embraced by Hambletonian, he may safely be called his best- 
bred son ; and his breeding was backed up by extraordinary 
good individuality. 

He was, however, in many respects superior to his sire in 
beauty of form and style of movement. He was good and 
stout at all points, denoting marvelous strength and symmetry 
of structure, and he was a useful, common-sense appearing 
horse from his brainy head to the very tip of his tail. 

(93) 



94 THE ELECTIONEERS. 

In height he measured fifteen and one-half hands at the 
withers and an inch higher behind, giving what I call the 
Hambletonian pitch, a singular order of conformation which is 
noticeable in a pronounced degree in many of his get, and nota- 
bly so in Campaign and Sunol, 

His broad forehead and general expression of intelligence 
furnish the explanation of his power to control the mental 
organizations of the thoroughbred, thereby making his crosses 
on the thoroughbred the most successful and the most marvel- 
ous of any stallion that ever lived. Probably the most striking 
feature in the general make-up of Electioneer was the enor- 
mous power and strength of his quarters ; in this respect the 
stamp of his sire was most noticeable. 

Although Electioneer was never trained for a record or ever 
in a race, he was a fully developed and natural trotter, and in 
his exercise on the Palo Alto track he could carry the speedy 
Occident 2.16|-, right up to his speed; and there is no question 
in the minds of those who knew him best that in his prime he 
could easily have beaten 2.20 if required. 

Electioneer goes on record as the sire of more 2.30 trotters, 
more 2.20 trotters, and more young record breakers, than any 
other horse in the world. 

The late Gov. Stanford often expressed the belief that 
Electioneer never sired a colt but that with proper training was 
capable of trotting in 2.30 or less, and a common expression 
with him was: " The Electioneers all trot." 

It is claimed that much of Electioneer's blood was frittered 
a,way in experimental courses, and his power was used to de- 
monstrate to the world that strictly thoroughbred mares may 
be able to produce fast trotters. While he did demonstrate 
beyond a doubt and to the most skeptical his ability to do this, 
there can be no donbt that he would to-day have had many 
more performers, to his credit had his harem consisted of se- 
lected trotting mares exclusively. 

It is claimed that the ability to get fast trotters out of 
thoroughbred mares is the severest test to which a stallion can 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 95 

be subjected in the transmittance of his blood lines ; and the 
simple fact that the dead Electioneer was so successful on this 
class of mares, alone should stamp him as a horse of marvelous 
prepotency. 

Green Mountain Maid, the dam of Electioneer, was a most 
wonderful mare, and perhaps, all things considered, has proved 
herself to be the greatest trotting brood mare ever on earth. 

She was sired by Harry Clay, 2.29, the great brood mare 
sire, who sired in addition to Green Moimtain Maid, the dams 
of St. Julian, 2.11i; Bodine, 2.19i; Elaine, 2.20, and sixteen 
others in the trotting list. 

The dam of this most wonderful mare was Shanghai Mary, 
a great natural trotter and a stayer. 

Among Green Mountain Maid's famous children, besides the 
great Electioneer, are Prospero, 2.20 ; Elaine, 2.20; Dame Trot, 
2.22; Elista, 2.22| ; Mansfield, 2.26; Storm, 2.261; Antonio, 
2.281 ; and Marinda, 2.31. 

Green Mountain Maid stands out in bold relief at the very 
head of all brood mares of the world as being the dam of 
more fast trotters than any mare that ever lived, — aside from 
being the dam of Electioneer. 

In 1881 Senator Leland Stanford offered Mr. Backman 
$10,000 for the celebrated equine matron, then in her twentieth 
year, and when Mr, Backman had already realized $46,330 from 
the sale of her foals and had seven of her sons and daughters 
left. The memory of this great mare will be kept green for 
generations yet to come through the turf performances of her 
progeny. 

In most cases the get of Electioneer inherited his conforma- 
tion, and in most cases measured rather higher behind than at 
the withers. The brainy head of Electioneer accounts for the 
heads and brains of his offspring ; " Beautiful in shape and 
level in balance." 

Marvin, in describing Electioneer, s&ys : " He has a good 
shoulder, splendid barrel, faultless back, and simply the best 
quarters that I ever saw on a stallion." 



96 THE ELECTIONEERS. 

As a three-year-old he was broken to harness and driven 
some in a wagon. In this way of going Mr. Charles Backraan 
timed him quarters in 38 seconds, with but little work. . 

Charles Marvin, in his excellent book, " Training the Trot- 
ting Horse," says: "Electioneer is the most natural trotter I 
have ever seen. He has free, abundant action ; it is a perfect 
willing action both in front and behind, and he has not the 
usual fault of the Hambletonians of going too wide behind." 

He further says : "I have driven Electioneer a quarter 
better than 35 seconds and although this may not be fast 
enough to suit the critics of Electioneer, I call any horse that 
can speed faster than a 2.20 gait a trotter." 

Continuing, Marvin says : " He did this, too, hitched to a 
125-pound wagon with a 220-pound man — and not a profes- 
sional, either — in the seat. Without preparation 3'ou could 
take out Electioneer in stud condition any day and drive him 
an eighth of a mile at a 2.20 gait. 

" He always had his speed with him, and this is a character- 
istic of his sons, and, to my mind, one of great importance to 
breeders. That Electioneer could have beaten 2.20 if given a 
regular preparation is, with me, a conviction about which no 
doubt exists." 

His roll of honor consists of the following records as gath- 
ered from the trotting statistics ; and this not only fully demon- 
strates his ability to get extreme early speed, but the ability of 
his get to train on : 

Tearlings. 

Hinda Rose, dam by The Moor, 2.363^ 

Two- Year Olds. 

Suuol, dam by General Benton, 2.18 

Wild Flower, dam by The Moor, 2.21 

Bonita, dam by St. Clair, 2 24)^ 

Fred Crocker, dam by St. Clair, . 2.25>'^ 

Bell Boy, dam by The Moor, . . 2.26 

Carrie C, dam by Henry Clay 2.27i^ 

Pedlar, dam by Mohawk Chief, 2.273^ 

Palo Alto Belle, dam by The Moor, 2.28i^ 

Sphinx, dam by Belmont, 2.293^ 

Del Mar, dam by Toronto Sonlag 2.30 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 97 

I 

Three- Year Olds. 

Sunol, dam by General Benton, S.IOJ^ 

Bell Boy, dam by The Moor, 2.19i^ 

Hinda Rose, dam by The Moor, 2.1^% 

Palo Alto Belle, dam by The Moor, 2.22}4, 

Campbell's Electioneer, dam by Clark Chief, . . . ' . .2 223,^ 

Maiden, dam by Alexander's Norman, . 2.23 

Manzanita, dam by St. Clair, 2.28J4 

Rexford, dam by General Benton, 2.24 

Sphinx, dam by Belmont, " . . . 2.24i^ 

Hattie D., dam by Nutwood 2.2634 

Grace Lee, dam by Culver's Black Hawk, . . . . . . 2.293^^ 

Four-Year Olds. 

Manzanita, dam by St. Clair, 2.16 

Benita, dam by St. Clair, 2.18,3^ 

Antevola, dam by A. W. Richmond, 2.19i^ 

Palo Ako, dam by Planet (thoroughbred), 2.20i^ 

Albert W., dam by Son of Imported Trustee (thoroughbred), . . 2.22]^ 

Sphinx, dam by Belmont, 2.23 

Albert W. (two miles) 4.51 

Lot Slocum, dam by Mohawk Chief . .2 23^^ 

Gov. Standford, dam by Hambletonian, 2.233^ 

Carrie C, dam by Henry Clay, . 2.24 

Clifton Bell, dam by Abdallah Star, 2.24i^ 

St. Bel, dam by The Moor, 2 24i^ 

Mortimer, dam by Hambletonian, 2.27 

Egotist, dam by Belmont, 2.29 

Ella, dam by Mambrino 2 29 

Azmoor, dam by Imported Hercules, 2.30 

Five- Year Olds. 

Lot Slocum, dam by Mohawk Chief, 2 17 

Gertrude Russell, dam by Planet, 2.233^ 

Clay, dam by Henry Clay, 2.25 

Emeline, dam by Woodburn, 2.273^ 

Cubic, dam by Imported Australian, 2.283^ 

Six- Year Olds. 

Anteo, dam by A. W. Richmond, 2.163^ 

Lot Slocum, dam by Mohawk Chief, . . . . . . . 2.11^4 

Adair, dam by Culver's Black Hawk, 2.173^^ 

Old Nick, dam by Chieftain 2.23 

Carrie C, dam by Henry Clay 2.243^ 

Azmoor, dam by Imported Hercules, 2.24^ 

Morca, dam by Mambrino Pilot, 2.25 

Express, dam by Express, 2.29i^ 

ArbutulJ dam by Messenger Duroc, 2.30 

7 



98 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



In the preceding table of early records of the sons and 
daughters of the great Electioneer, especially when we take 
into consideration the breeding of their dams, may be found an 
object lesson worthy of study by the coming breeder of the 
American Trotter, as in it we find the unmistakable ability of 
this great sire to transmit his speed quality to his sons and 
daughters through mares of different breeding and of different 
breeds, and thoroughbreds as well as trotters and pacers. 

As to the trotting action of the Electioneers, Charles Mar- 
vin says : " They are mostly prompt, round-gaited horses, and 
straight-lined trotters. They do not have to square away or 
strike a position to get up speed. 

" As a rule they are close gaited. The majority of them do 
not throw the hind foot outside of the fore foot in trotting, but 
go under the line trotting principle. They do not have to go a 
mile or so to get untangled ; they trot low, have no waste ac- 
tion, and gather speed quickly and smoothly." 

Electioneer sired the following list of performers, and sires 
and dams of performers, as per the latest official reports : 



ELECTIONEER, 125, SIRE OF 



Arion, 4, 

Sunol, . 

Palo Alto, . 

Truman, 4, . 

Expressive, 3, 

Belleflower, 4, 

Norval, 

Advertiser, 

Expedition, 

Starlight, 

Manzanita, 4, 

Anteeo, 

Ladywell, 

Amigo, 

Del Mar, 

Bernal, 

Adair, . 

Lot Slocum, 

Electioneer (Campbell' 

Electricity, 



s), 



2.07^ 

2.08}^ 

2.08M 
2.12 

2.12K 

2.12?^ 

2.143^ 

2.151^ 

2.153^ 

2.15?^ 

2.16 

2.161^ 

2.161^ 

2.163^ 

2.163^ 

2.17 

2.171^ 

2.17J4 

2.1734: 

2.1734^ 



Mont Rose, 3, 
Ah There, . 
Electric Coin, 
Conductor, 
Altivo, 4, 
Bonita, 
Coral, . 
Suisun, 
Rustique, 
Regina, 
Bell Boy, 3, 
Bow Bells, 
Antevolo, 
Hinda Rose, 
]\Ionaco, 
Albert W., 
Ansel, . 
May King, 
Azmoor, 
Sphinx, 



3, 



18 

mi 

181^ 
181^ 
18i| 
181^ 
181^ 
181^ 
181^ 

mi 
mi 

mX 
20 
20 
20 

2014 
20K 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



99 



Utility, 


. 2,203^ 


Monterey, . 






2.25% 


Express, 


. 2.21- 


Paola, . 






2.25% 


Gov. Stanford, . 


. 2.21 


Quality, 






2.25% 


Helena, 3, . 


. 2.21 


Sweet Rose, 1, 






2.253^ 


Wildflower, 2, . 


. 2.21 


Eowler Boy, 






. 2.26 


Elector, 


. . 2.21K 


Ivo, 






. 2.26 


Laura R., . 


. 2.2114 


Dan, . 






. 2.26M 


Elleneer, 


. 2.213^ 


Veda, . 






. 2.26M 


Bell Bird, 2, 


. 2.22 


Arbutus, 






2.26% 


Cecilian, 2, . 


. 2.22 


Candidate, . 






. .2.26% 


Junio, . 


. 2.22 


Lent, . 






3.26% 


Belle Monte, 


. 2.221-1 


Loraneer, 3, 






. 2.26% 


Egotist, 


. 2.22% 


Hattie D,, . 






2.2%% 


Palo Alto Belle, 3, 


. 2.223^ 


Electant, 






2.27 


Advance, 3, 


. 2.221^ 


Electuary, . 






2.27 


Brilliant, 


. 2.23 


Lucyneer, 3, 






2.27 


Fallis, . 


. 2.23 


Mortimer, 






, 2.27 


Maiden, 3, . 


'. 2.23 


Don Felix, . 






2.2714 


Old Nick, . 


. 2.23 


Elwina, 2, . 






2.27M 


Grover Clay, 


. 2.231^ 


Jim, . . . 






2.271^ 


Susette, 


. 2.23K 


Re-Election, 






2.2714 


Gertrude Russell, 


. 2.231^ 


Emaline, 






2.27% 


Addie Lee, 2d, . 


. 2.233^ 


Hugo, . 






2.27% 


Kerneer, 


. 2.23?4: 


Idle May, . 






2.27% 


Marvin, 


. 2.233^ 


Minet, . 






2.27% 


Pedlar, 


. 2.233^ 


Whips, 






2.27% 


Arol, . . . 


. 2.24 


Election, 






2.28 


Carrie C, . 


. 2.24 


Outcross, 






2.28 


Electric King, 


. 2.24 


Sonoma, 






2.28 


Rexford, 3, . 


. 2.24 


Liska, 3, 






2.2814 


Peko, 3, 


. 2.24 


Pomona, 






2.2814 


Electrician, . 


. 2.2414 


Tiny, 2, 






2.281^ 


Morea, 


. 2.241^ 


Alma, . 






2.28% 


Clifton Bell, 


. 2.24% 


Antinous, . 






2.28% 


St. Bel, 


. 2.24% 


Cubic, . 






2.28% 


Electro Benton, 3, 


. 2.24% 


Electrix, 






2.28% 


Aleck B 


. 3.243^ 


Slight, . 






2.28% 


Electryon, . 


. 2.243^ 


El Benton, . 






2.283^ 


Aldeana, 


. 2.25 


Emma R., . 






2.283^ 


Clay, . . . 


. 2.25 


Alaska, 






2.29 


Fay, . 


. 2.25 


Electro, 






2.29 


Elector, 


. 2.25 


Ella, . 






2.29 


Young Wildidle, 


. 2.25 


Elma Sontag, 2, 






2.29 


Colma, 


. 2.251^ 


Grace Lee, 3, 






2.2914 


Ered Crocker, 2, . 


. 2.251^ 


Herman, 






2.291^ 


Memento, 


. 2.251^ 


Laura C, 






. 2.2914 


Athena, 2, , 


. 2.25% 


Belle Electric, 






. 2.29% 


Caution, 


. 2.25% 


Cara Mia, 






. 2.29% 



100 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



Coquette, 

Eros, . 

Ivy E., 

Linnet, 3, 

Miss Naude, 

Rockefeller, 

Don Monteith, 

Legal Test, , 

Commotion, 

Electress, 

Electwood, . 

Gen Wellington, 

Golden Slippers, 

Idelia, . 

Rusenole, 

Stella, . 

Pacifica, 

Wild May, 

Peruvian Bitters, p. , 

and dams 
Daly, . 
Limonera, 3, 
The Seer, 
Lee Russell, 
Robert Lee, 
Eskimo, 
Elden, 3, 
Marston C, 8, 
Charles Derby, 
Greenlander Girl, 
Greenlander Boy, 
Langton, 
Navarro, 
Wanda, 



of 



2.291^ 

2.293^ 

2.293^ 

2.293^ 

2.291^ 

2.293^ 

2.293^ 

2.293^ 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.233^ 



2.15 

2.153^ 

2,1534: 

2.16M 

2.18>^ 

2.18?|: 

2.193^ 

2.193^ 

2.20 

2.21 

2.213^ 

2.213^ 

2.22 

2.223^ 



Millard, 
Noya, 

Newflower, . 
Maralia, 
Nita Pancoast, 
Del Paso, 
Newport, 
Bion, . 
Comrade, 
Covey, 
Greenwaj, . 
Miss Albert, 
Waldstein, . 
Daghestan, 2, 
Svpeetwater, 2, 
Election, 3, 
Daylight, 
Rosita, 
Wildmont, 
Wavelet, 
Raola, . 
Bentoneer, 
Lord Stanley, 
Wild Bee, . 
Elect Cossack, 
Esparto Rex, 3, 
Hilarita, 
Steineer, 
Minnie B., . 
King Piedmont, 
Lady Juno, . 
Crafty, p., . 
Alcinta, p., . 



PRODUCING SONS OF ELECTIONEER, 125 



Advertiser, 2 153^. 

Adbell, 1, 
Alaska, U429. 

Lena H., . 
Albert W. , 113S3. 

Little Albert, . 

Dudley Olcott, 

Albert T., 

William Albert, 

Arthur Dodge, 

Miss Albert, 3, 



2 23 

2.29K 

2.10 

2.183^ 

2.19JC 
2.20J^ 
2.2034' 

2.251^^ 



Neernut, 3, 
Pansy Blossom, 3, 
Flowing Tide, p., 
Hightide, p., . 
Amelia, p., 3, . 

Ansel, 7093. 
Answer, . 
Nettie B., 
Norris, 

Marie Ansel, 2. 
Clarion, . 



2.1434 
2.2034 
2.223^ 
2 25 
2.25^ 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



101 



Ariana, 


. 2.26 


Antella, 2, 


. 2.26K 


Anselma, . 


. 2.29K 


and dam o 


f 


Seylax, 


. 2.24M 


Anteeo, 7868. 




Eoline, 3, . 


. 2.143^ 


Abanteeo, 


. 2.17K 


James Madison, 


. 2.1734 


Anthelia, 4, 


. 2.18 


Tietam, . 


. 2.19 


Myrtle, 3, 


. 2.193^ 


Alfred G., 


. 2.193^ 


Maud M., 


. 2.20K 


Redwood, 


. 2.21% 


Maud Fowler, . 


. 2.213^ 


Mountain Maid, 


. 2.22J^ 


Rex, 


' . 2.221^ 


Anteeoyne, 3, . ' 


. 2.23 


Anteeo Richmond, 


. 2.24K 


Dan Brown, 


. 2.243^ 


Ethel Mac, 


. 2.25 


Anteeo, Jr., 


. 2.251^ 


Fanny D., 


. 2.26 


Grey Belle, 


. 2.27 


Reyanetta, 3, . 


. 2.27 


Antarees, . 


. 2.27% 


Maudee, . 


. 2.281^ 


Electee, . 


. 2.29% 


G. and M., 


. 2.29% 


Sunset, 


. 2.29% 


and dam c 


f 


W. Wood, p., . 


. 2.07 


Sons have si 


red 


Alfred G., 12452. 




Queen Alfred, 3, 


. 2.18% 


Nelly Alfred, 


. 2.27% 


Anteeo, Jr. 




Hailstorm, 3, 


. 2.30 


James Madison, 179 


09. 


Bet Madison, 2, 


. 2.30 


Leila C, p., . 


. 2.20% 


Redwood, II8I4. 




Red Oak, 


. 2.21 


T. 0. M. 




Lady 0., 


. 2.24 


Anteros, 6020. 




Maj. Ross, 


. 2.24% 



Anterose, . 
Nellie F., . 
Don Anteros, 
Nelly F., p., 
Dudley, p.. 
Doc Christie, p. 
Cairn, p., . 

and dam of 
Luella Shawhan, p., 2, 
Antevolo, 764S. 
Maud Merrill, . 
Antioch, 3, 
Gray Belle, 
Berceto, . 
Consolation, p., 
Leta May, p,, . 

Antinuous, 4778. 
Hillsdale, . 
John Bury — , . 

Azinoor, 13467. 

Rowena, 2, 

Bonnibel, . 

Azmon, . 

A. A. A., 3., . 
Bell Bop, 5350. 

Bridal Bells, 3, 

Corner Bell, 3, . 

Liberty Bell, 3, 

Princess Belle, . 

Beauty Bells, . 

Anderson Bell, p 

Bernal, 13468. 

Aria, 3, 
Boio Bells, 2.19%. 

Boreal, 2, . 

Alarm Bells, 3, 
Candidate, 13113. 

Elfrida, 4, 

Catherine, 
Chimes, 5348. 

Fantasy, 4, 

Sixty Six, 

Midnight Chimes, 3, 

Chimes Boy, 

Charming Chimes, 3 

Princess Royal, 2, 



3, 



2.25 

2.25 

2.30 

2.13% 

2.1434 

2.21 

2.23% 

2.23 

2.18 

2.21% 

2.27 

2.29 

2.20 

2.23% 

2.11% 
2.22 

2.17 

2.173^ 

2.23% 

2.27% 

2.22% 
2.23 

2.24% 
2.24% 
2.29% 
2.20% 



2.16% 



2.17% 
2.29% 

2.13% 

2.24 

2.06 

2.15% 
2.16% 
2.17% 
2.18% 
2.20 



102 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



Beautiful Chimes, . . 2.223^ 

Blue Bell, . . . 2.2234' 

Electmont, . . . 2 223^: 

Curfew 2.241^ 

Chimes Girl, 2, . .2.26 

Chide, 3, . . . . 2.26I4' 

Carilloa, .... 2,27,14 

Bessie Chimes, . . 2 21^ 

Chimesbrino, ... 2 283^ 

Josie Chimes, . . . 2.29i^ 

June Bug, . . . 2.291:^ 

Boy Blue. . . . 2.29i^ 

Merry Chimes, p., . . 2 08i^ 

EdEaston, p.,4, . . 2.09i^ 

Palo Alto Chimes, p , . 2.173^ 

Tanny Bug, p., 2, . . 2.173^ 

Erie Chimes, p., . . 2.193^ 

Clap, 4779. 

Parkside, .... 2.223^ 

Nemo, .... 2.26M 

Clayone, 3, . . . 2.273^ 
Hazel, . . . .2 28 

■Lilac, 3, . . . . 2.291^ 

Stanford, . . . . 2.2914 

Spinaway, 3, . . . 2.293^ 

Miss Clay, . . . 2.293^ 

Claytina, p., . . . 2.143^ 

J. R, p., . . . . 2.20 

Olgetta, p., 3, . . . 2.2434 

and dam of 

Otalgic, .... 2.243^ 

Conductor, 12256. 

Lilly Dale, . . . 2.273^ 

D071 Felix, 2.2734. 

Nelly R., 3, . . . 2.2634 

Egotist, 5018. 

The Conqueror, 4, . . 2.153^ 
Lovelace, 3, . . .2.20 

Betsy Britton, . . . 2.2034 

Elton, .... 221 
Bishop Dudley, 3, . .2.27 

Stonewall, 3, . . . 2.273^ 

Birdie, . . . . 2.2734 

Zenith, 3 2 2834 

Dramatist, . . .2.293^ 

Genevieve, . . . 2.2^% 

Mildred, .... 2.29^ 



Gilford Dudley, 2, . . 2.30 
Elect. 

Elect Moore, . . .2.27 

Re-Elect, . . . .2.28 



Electioneer ( Campbell' a) 


2.1734. 


Bowman's Electioneer, . 2.263?^ 


Symboleer, p., 2, 


. 2.11 


Elector, 2170. 




Flora M., . 


. 2.16 


Lizzie F., 


. 2.I614 


Electra, . 


. 2. 183^ 


Cora S , . 


. 2.191^ 


Electrina, 


. 2.20 


J. R.. 


. 2.20 


Acclamation, . 


. 2.243| 


Morning Glory, 


. 2.27 


Electress, 3, 


. 2.2714 


Alley Sloper, 3, 


. 2 28 


Nettie C, 


. 2.28 


Ella M., . 


. 2.283^ 


Leek, 


. 2.29 


Desperado, 


. . 2.293^ 


Pleasanton, 


. 2.293^ 


Elector, Jr., 


. 2.293^ 


Eric, p., . 


. 2.17 


L. A. Dick, p., 


. 2.25 


and dams ( 


)f 


Parthenia, 3, . 


. 2.271^ 


Cleopatra, 


. 2.291^ 


Elector, 10830. 




Edwin C, p., . 


. 2.15 


Molly McCauley, p. 


. 2.161^ 


Electricity, 53U. 




Welbeck, 3, 


. . 2.24^ 


Fly, . . 


. 2.2914 


Electro, 5382. 




Belle Electro, 3, 


. 2.30 


Electrotype, 9006. 




Pauline, . 


. 2.26 


Electro Bell, . 


. 2.273^ 


Eugeneer. 




Genevieve, 2, . 


. 2.30 


Eros, 5326. 




Wanda, . 


. . 2.1434 


Rinconado, 


. 2.17 


Oro Fino, 


. 2.18 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



103 



Mount Hood, 


. 2.223^ 


Marvin, 2.233^. 




My My, . 


. 2.253^ 


Bramblette, 3, . 


. . 3.241^ 


Willetna, 3, 


. 2.26 


Norval, 5335. 




Heros, 


. 2.261^ 


Lakeside Norval, 


. 2.15 


Solita, 


. 2.27 


Norhawk, 


. 2.151^ 


Daylight. . 


. 2.273^ 


Orphina, . 


. 2.17ii 


Donzella, 3, 


. 2.293^ 


John G. Carlisle, 


. 3.30 


Electroid, 


. 2.30 


Norvin G., 3, . 


. 3.201^ 


Maraquita, 


. 2.30 


Norvardine, 3, . 


. 2.353^ 


Sons have sired 


Interval, . 


. 3.363i 


Ikis. 




Novelist, 2, 


. 3.37 


Visalia, 3, 


. 2.20 


Villiers, 3, 


. 3.373^ 


Cecilia, p., 2, 


. 2.283^ 


Novalson, 


. 3.383^ 


Ward B. 




Novelette, 3, . 


. 3.2914 


Letter B., 3, 


. 2.271^ 


Palo Alto, 5353. 




Fallis, 4781. 




Rio Alto, 3, 


. . 2.161^ 


Fallacy, . 


. . 2.173^ 


Palatine, 3, 


. 2.18 


Don Marvin, 


. 2.321^ 


Avena, 2, . 


. 2.193.^ 


Lustre, 


. 2.223^ 


Fillmore, 3, 


. 2.213^ 


Bradtmore, 


. 2 261^ 


Parkville, 6050. 




Falman, . 


. 2.27 


Sub Rosa, p., 3, 


. 2.233^ 


Menlo Fallis, . 


. 2.27X 


Re-Election, 2.2734. 




Fal Rose, p., . 


. 2.19 


La Haute, 3, 


. 2.243^ 


and c 


am of 


Nelly Clark, 2, 


. 2.80 


Donchka, 3, 


. 2.25 






Sons ha 


ve sired 


Rockefeller, 6121. 




DoK Marvin, 2 


.221^. 


Granieta, . 


. 2.25>^ 


Don Lowell, . 


. 2.141^ 


Nana, 3, . 


. 2.29>^ 


Boneset, 2, . 


. 2.273^ 


Leola, 
Bt. Bel, 5336. 


. 3.30 


Fordstan, 22129. 




Allibel, 3, 


. 2.493^ 


Melvar, 


2.22 


Honeywood, 


. . 2.193^ 


Gaviota, 7567. 




Silver Ore, 


. . 2.19>^ 


Maud Alameda, 


2, . . 2.24 


Beltown, , 


. 2.201^ 


Dynamite, 


. . 2.29K 


Election Bell, . 


. 2.223^ 






Bel Onward, 2, 


. 2.23 


Gov. Stanford, 2.2 


1. 


Santa Bel, 3, . 


. 2.23 


Clito, p., . 


. 2.243^ 


Favora, . 


. 2.23I4' 


Hummer, 6111. 




Tempter, . 


. 2.243^ 


Bouncer, 3, 


. . 2.18K 


Free, 


. 2.25 


Hustler, 3, 


. 2.203^ 


St. Felix, 3, . 


. 3.251^ 


Stately, p., 2, . 


. 2.18 


Amorel, . 


. 2.26 


Junio, 14957. 




Katrina Bel, 2, 


. 2.261^ 


Bruno, 


. 2.19 


Miss Zura Belle, 3, 


. 2.261^ 


Athanio, 2, 


. 2.193^ 


St. Minx, 3, 


. . 2.261^ 


St. Joe, . 


. 2.26 


La Bel, . 


. 2.27 


Gilpatrick, 


. . 2.29K 


Lynne Bel, 8, . 


. 3.371^ 


Salinas Maid, . 


. 3.30 


Comet, 


. 3.381.^ 



104 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 



First Bell, 

St. Aubin, 

St. Croix, 

Bellman, . 

Flora Bel, 

Honey Dew, 

La Petite Bel, 3 

Bessie Bell, 2, 

Gold Point, 

Belzoni, 2, 

Legacy. . 

Robert Bel, 2, 

Baron Bel, p.. 

Notion, p, 

Fail Not, p., 

Almabel, p., 

Monabel, p., 
St. Just, 4780. 

Lanier, 

Mary, 

St. Justin, 

Adjutant, 
Sphinx, 5343. 

Uncle Tom, 

Baker, 

Water Lily, 

Gift o' Neer, 

Borneo, 

Cervus, 2, 

Baltullo, . 

Altoneer, 2, 

Islam, 3, . 



3. 



2.28I4 

2.281^ 

2.28% 

2.283^ 

2.291^ 

2.293^ 

2.291^ 

2293^ 

2 293^ 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30 

2.11.1^ 

2.I614 
2.161^ 

2.18 

2.20 

2241.1 
2.293^ 
2.30 

2 1S}i 
2.1914: 

2.193.x 

2.20 

2.23 

2,231^ 

2241^ 

2.25 

2 26 



Valley Queen, 3, 
Gen. Sphinx, 3, 
Magna Sphinx, 3, 
Peru, 3, . 
Sibyl, 

Sylvia C, 2, . 
Sphinxeta, p., 3, 
Syrena, p., 
Cantab, p., 
Como, p., 

Sunolo, 9900. 
Bunolto, . 
Baptism, . 

Whips, 13407. 
Azote, 
Cob Webs, 
Navidad, . 
Warlock, . 
Manille, . 



2.281.^ 

2.283.^ 

2.29 

2.291.^ 

2.293^ 

2.293^ 

2.1414 

2.I414' 
2.14=^^ 

2.17M 



2.261^ 
2.30 



2.081^ 
2.12 

2.22K 

2.24 

2.29^ 



Will Crocker, 5333. 

Irene Crocker, 3, . . 2.20 

Little Crocker, . . 2.30 

and dam of 

St. Croix, 3, . . . 2.28J^ 

Woolseij, 5337. 

Nelly W., 3, . . . 2.171^ 

Princess, .... 2.193^ 

Wehina 2.26i^ 

Sir Gird, 3, . . . 2.26i^ 
Loyaleer, . . . .2.30 

Abeto, p.,. . . . 2.213^ 



SIRES WHOSE DAMS ARE BY ELECTIONEER. 



Charles Derby, 4907 

Derby Princess, 2, 

Diablo, p., 4, . 

Cibolo, p., 4, . 
Daly, 5341. 

Bonner N. B., . 

Julia G., . 

Clatawa, . 
Princeer, 9114. 

Warren Guy, 2, 

Ida A., . 

Freda C, 3, . 



2.25 
2.091^ 

2.13M 

2.17 
2.23K 

2.27K 

2.25 
2.25 
2 30 



The Seer, 5367. 

Seersucker, 
Waldstein, 12597. 

Humboldt Maid, 

Native Son, 
Wild Boy, 5394. 

Donchka, . 
WiLDNUT, 13472. 

Bedworth, 2, . 

Ariel, 

El Rami, 3, 



2.30 

2.27 
2.291^ 



2.25 



2.27 

2.273^ 

2.29 



THE ELECTIONEERS. 105 

OTHER DESCENDANTS. 

Sable Nut, 2 2.22}i 

RECAPITULATION. 

Standard performers, 155 

Sons (46) with, 281, 

Daughters have produced, 47 

Grandsons (8) with, . . . . 13 

Mares by sons have produced, 8 

Sires out of daughters (7) with, 16 

Other descendants, • . . , 1 

Total, . 520 



CHAPTER XI. 



THE BASHAWS AND CLAYS. 



Grand Bashaw, Imported Arabian, the founder — Young Bashaw — Andrew 
Jackson — Green's Bashaw — The Patchens. 

THE BLUE BULLS. 

Wilson's Blue Bull — His great success in the stud — Great progenitor of 
speed — List of trotters and dams of trotters by Blue Bull. 

THE progenitor of the Bashaw family was Grand Bashaw, 
an Arabian horse foaled in 1816 and imjDorted from 
Tripoli in 1825 by Joseph C. Morgan. He stood near Phila- 
delphia, Pa., for stock purposes for twenty years, and many of 
our fast trotters are descended from him. 

His most distinguished son was Young Bashaw, a gray 
horse foaled in 1822, whose dam was Pearl by the thorough- 
bred horse First Consul ; dam by Imported Messenger. 

He was the founder of what is known as the Bashaw 
family of American trotters, and whose most noted son was 
Andrew Jackson, a black horse foaled in 1828, and whose 
dam was a good mare, pedigree unknown. 

This Andrew Jackson was the founder of the Clay family. 
His most noted son was Henry Clay, foaled in 1837, and 
whose dam was a Canadian mare called Surry, pedigree un- 
traced, but a good one and a fast trotter. 

Henry Clay's best son, by the records, was Cassius M. 
Clay, foaled in 1843, and whose dam's pedigree was unknown. 

Cassius M. Clay was the sire of three Cassius M. Clay, 
Jr.'s, with eight in the list, and George M. Patchen, the 
founder of the Patchen branch, with four in the 2.30 list. 

The greatest sire of all the Bashaw family, b}^ the records, 
was Green's Bashaw, five removes from the old imported 

(106) 



THE BASHAWS AND CLAYS. 107 

Arabian, and whose grancl-clam was the Charles Kent mare, 
the dam of Rysdyk's Hambletonian and daughter of Imported 
Belfounder, So here we find another strong argument of the 
speed-transmitting power of the great JSTorfolk trotter, Im- 
ported Belfounder. 

The Bashaw family embraces the Clays, Patchens, and 
Bashaws of the present day and includes many good and fast 
horses ; also the blood of the Bashaw family is commingled, 
more or less, in the pedigrees of the following animals, form- 
ing the nucleus of that destined to be the greatest of all 
families, or breeds, of horses in the world, — the American 
trotter. 

These animals are as follows, taken alphabetically : 
American Clay, sire of twenty-four brood mares, with twenty- 
five trotters with records from 2.16 to 2.30, among 
which was Maggie Briggs, who sold for $10,000. 
Andy Johnson, sire of three 2.30 trotters, two sires, and three 

producing dams. 
Bashaw (Green's) 'No. 50, sire of seventeen trotters with 
records from 2.21^ to 2.30 ; fifteen sires of thirty-four 
trotters and two pacers, and twenty-two dams of 
twenty-four trotters and two pacers. 
Black Bashaw, sire of Cozette, 2.19, and John H., 2.20. 
Cassius M. Clay, sire of eight producing sires with sixteen 

trotters in the list. 
Cassius M. Clay, Jr. (Neave, 20), sire of four trotters in the 
list, and of the sires Clay Pilot, Harry Clay, and 
"Wilgus Clay. 
Cassius M. Clay, Jr. (Straders, 22), sire of three trotters, three 
sires and twenty-two dams of twenty-three trotters and 
one pacer. 
Electioneer, the greatest son of Hambletonian, with 155 in the 
trotting list ; through his dam, Green Mountain Maid — 
dam of nine in the list — by Harry Clay, whose dam 
was by Imported Belfounder. 
George M. Patchen, sire of four trotters, twelve sires of forty- 



108 THE BASHAWS AND CLAYS. 

eight trotters and one pacer, and the sire of five dams 
with six trotters. 

George M. Patchen, Jr., sire of ten trotters, ten sires of nine- 
teen trotters and one pacer, and eleven dams of twelve 
trotters and two pacers. 

Godfrey's Patchen, sire of nine trotters, two sires and three 
producing dams. 

Harry Clay (Sayer's, 45), by C. M. Clay, Jr., dam by Imported 
Belfounder, sire of four trotters, eight, sires of nine 
trotters, and fifteen dams of twenty- six trotters; dams 
including the great brood mare of the world. Green 
Mountain Maid, dam of Electioneer, with 155 trotters 
in the list with records from 2.08J to 2.30. 

Henry B. Patchen, sire of seven trotters, four dams of ten' 
trotters, including the great brood mare Emeline. dam 
of Adele Gould, 2.19, and six others in the trotting 
list. 

Idol, by Hambletonian (Packman's), sire of six trotters, etc. 

Knickerbocker, sire of seven trotters, etc., by Hambletonian. 

Louis Napoleon, sire of fourteen trotters and one pacer, seven 
sires with thirteen trotters and five pacers, and eight 
dams of nine trotters and two pacers. 

St. Gothard, 2.27, by George Wilkes, sire of nine trotters and 
one pacer. 

Stamboul, by Sultan, record 2.07^, sire of five trotters. 

Yictor Bismarck, by Hambletonian, sire of nineteen trotters 
and two pacers. 

Waspie, sire of eight trotters, one pacer, etc. 

"Windsor, sire of six trotters, two pacers, etc. 

Thus it will be seen that the speed-producing influence of 

that grand old Arabian, Grand Bashaw, who has been dead 

upwards of fifty years, is stiU felt in our land. 



THE BLUE BULLS, 109 

THE BLUE BULLS. 

Blue Bull, like Hambletonian, is a subject, or rather an ob- 
ject, that loses none of its charm by the lapse of years. 

Wilson's Blue Bull, whose breeding is acknowledged by the 
best horsemen of the present day to be somewhat shrouded in 
mystery, was a horse of great individual excellence. In color 
he was a chestnut with an elongated star and nigh hind foot 
white ; he stood about fifteen hands high and was of the Mor- 
gan type (see illustration); in fact, in general conformation 
and appearance he would pass for a Morgan the world over. 
As his breeding is surrounded in mystery the question natu- 
rally arises : " Was he a Morgan?" 

He had a clean cut head and bright, intelligent eyes, to- 
gether with the clean, cordy legs and flinty feet for which 
succeeding generations of Blue Bulls are noted. His appear- 
ance was that of durability, strength, and speed. 

No stallion ever began life under more unfavorable circum- 
stances and finished his career under such a brilliant crown of 
well-earned glory. 

We will not go over the disputed ground of his pedigree,, 
for while we do not believe in that promulgated pedigree given 
him by that great recorder of many false ones, we will not 
assault that which we cannot disprove, nor advance that which 
we might not be able to prove to the satisfaction of all ; yet, 
in my own mind, and to my long-practiced eye in the compar- 
ison of families, if Wilson's Blue Bull was not a direct 
descendant of the Narragansett Pacer, infused with the blood 
of Ranger, — afterwards the Darley Arabian — the maternal 
founder of the Morgan, then I am mistaken. 

Blue Bull's days in the stud were very nearly contempora- 
neous with those of Hambletonian, there being, according to 
accepted data, only about five years' difference in the dates of 
their foaling. 

Hambletonian was foaled in 1849, in a community contain- 
ing the very best trotting blood of that day, and from his own 



110 THE BLUE BULLS. 

good breeding became popular as a stock horse as soon as old 
enough for service. 

Commencing at two years of age and during his twenty-two 
years of service m the stud, he sired more colts than any other 
trotting sire ever has up to date, and has, all told, forty-one 
trotters in the 2.30 list. 

Blue Bull was foaled in 1854, in a community where trotting 
bred mares were unknown and with the accredited parentage 
that always disgraced him. His road to a decent patronage 
was steep, rugged, and slowly ascended ; yet, with all these 
drawbacks he forged himself to the front, solely on his merits. 

In the year that Hambletonian died, 1876, Blue Bull had 
seven in the 2.30 list and Hambletonian had thirty-two ; but at 
the close of 1890 Blue Bull had fifty-five trotters and eight 
pacers in the 2.30 list, while Hambletonian had only forty-one 
trotters and no pacers. Opportunities considered, there is no 
room for conjecture as to which had the greatest power to pro- 
duce 2.30 performers. 

As before stated, the accepted pedigree of Blue Bull is not 
well established, and to many — a very great many — the re- 
corded pedigree is absurd. 

As for myself, I lay claim to a better knowledge of horse 
history than to believe for a single moment that this great 
horse (one of the greatest sires of speed that ever lived), de- 
scended from the plebeian ancestry accorded to him by Wallace. 

Blue Bull was the first horse to sire fifty with harness 
records of 2.30 or better. Blue Bull was the only sire of thir- 
teen race winners with twenty heats in 2.30 or better, at the 
close of 1891. 

He IS the only horse that ever lived that had over one hun- 
dred descendants in the first generation, who carries no blood 
of Hambletonian or Mambrino Chief. He has put more mares, 
not trotting bred, in the great brood mare list, than any horse 
that ever lived. 

Blue Bull, by the records, is the most potent progenitor of 
harness speed that has ever lived. As other great sires have 



THE BLUE BULLS. Ill 

depended upon the nicks with American Star, Hambletonian, 
Morgan, Clay, and Mambrino Patchen mares ; but Blue Bull 
from the farm mares of Indiana was the first sire of his day 
to put fifty or more into the list. 

Blue Bull has been neglected, slandered, and lied about as 
but few, if any, sires ever were ; but he will yet live on, be 
better known and appreciated in his later descendants, as one 
of the great speed elements of the American trotter. 

All things considered, this doubtfully bred and wonderful 
horse must be set down as one of the greatest of trotting pro- 
genitors. He was foaled in 1866 and lived almost his entire 
life in Eush County, Indiana, at James "Wilson's " Flat Rock 
Stock Farm," from which he derived the title of " The Hero of 
Flat Rock." He died on the 11th day of July, 1880. 

Many versions of his breeding have been given, but, in the 
opinion of the author, none are correct. Despite his plebeian 
blood lines, as recorded, a knee broken from the kick of a 
mule, an eye knocked out by a drunken groom, and one or 
more seasons spent as a teaser for a Jack, he has founded a 
family of trotters of quality and numbers more than equal to 
any stallion with the same opportunities. 

Another peculiar fact is that while he was a fast pacer 
himself and was bred to pacing bred mares, he almost invariably 
got square trotters, and has now fifty-four trotters in the 2.30 
list with records from 2.1Yi up. 

He has twenty-six producing sons that have begotten stand- 
ard performers and thirty-six daughters that are the dams of 
2.30 performers. 

Succeeding generations also show material gains, giving 
ample proof of the breeding-on capacity of the blood of the 
plebeian pacer. 

Blue Bull sired the dam of Roy "Wilkes, 2.08i ; Fred Ar- 
thur, 2.14i; Puritan, 2.16 ; Yitello, 2.161; Lowland Girl, 2.19J; 
Luella, 2.19f ; Elgin Girl, 2.20|, and the Rhodenkiel mare, dam 
of Blanche Wayne, etc. Below will be found a complete official 



112 



THE BLUE BULLS. 



statement of the descendants of this great sire in the speed 
ranks of the American trotter. 



BLUE BULL, 75, SIRE OF 



ZoeB., 






2.I714 


Daisy Blackwood 






Bessie, 






2.173^ 


Dr. Sheppard, 




Lena Swallow, 






2.19 


Gen. Russ, . 






Royal Bounce, 






2 19 


James Halfpenny 






Will Cody, . 






2.191^ 


Joseph, 






Dick Stauffer, 






2.29,1^ 


Kate Bennett, 






Silverton, 






2 20V^ 


Texas Jack, 






Chance, 






2.20i£ 


Dayton Belle, 






Lucy Fry, . 






2.203^ 


Ella Wilson, 






Richard, 






2.21 


Ira M , 






Mamie, 






2.21^4 


Little Wonder, 






Florence M., 


, 




2.221^ 


Purity, 






Gladiator, . 






2.22K 


Georgetown, p., 






Elsie Good, . 






2.22i£ 


Tony Boy, p., 






Bulwer, 






2.23 


Jenny K., p., 






Ethel, . 






2.23 


Dandy Boy, p.. 






Kate McCall, 






2.23 


Hattie Shawhan, p., 




May Bird, . 






2.23 


and dams ( 


Df 


Bertha, 






2.281^ 


Mark Sirius, 




St Denis, . 






2.231^ 


Leta C, 




Belle Wilson, 






2.231^ 


Lowland Girl, 




Lena Guffin, 






2.231^ 


Redmont, 




Otto K., 






2.241^ 


Champion Wilkes, s. t 


b . . 


Ina G., 






2'.24i/^ 


Charles H. Hoyt, 




Kate Hall, . 






2.241^ 


Ora, . 




True Blue, . 






2.25 


lima Cossack, 






Hoosier Girl, 






2.253^ 


Maj. Ross, . 






Russell, 






2.26 


Lady Elgin, 






Blanche H., 






2.261'^ 


Flossy, 






Blue Bell, . 






2.26>i 


Big Mack, . 






Blue Bull (Grove' 


s), 




2.261^ 


Violin, s. t. b., 






Commander, 






2 261^ 


Highland Mary, 






Edward B., 






2.2Q}i 


OK,. 






Mila C, 






2.261^^ 


Pilot W., . 






Dom Pedro, 






. 2.27 


Charley Burch, 






Alice Peyton, 






. 2.271^ 


Turk, s. t. b.. 






MattieH., . 






. 2.21}4 


Billy Worthingto 


Q, ■ 




Molly Kistler, 






. 2.27K 


Harry W., . 






Beauty, 






. 2.28 


Merlin, 






Bullion, 






. 2.28 


Joe Jefferson, 






MyrtellaG., 






. 2.28 


Hero, . 






Rocket, 






. 2.28 


Delia McGee, 






Stewart Mac, 






. 2.28 


Polka Dot, . 







THE BLUE BULLS. 



113 



Agitator, 
Bandoline, . 
Brunswicli, 
Alcavala, 
Highland Maid, 
Black Wilkes, 
David R., '. 
Flode Holden, 
Harry Laird, 
Anna Mace, 
Little Nell, . 
Fannette, 
Addie C, . 
Belle Untrue, 
Roscoe Conklin, 
Atlantic King, p 
Vitello, p., . 
Mary Centlivre, p 
Strathso, p., 
Alliambra, p.. 



2.281^ 

2.283^ 

2.281^ 

2.29 

2.2914 . 

2.2914 

2.2914 

2.2914 

2.2914 

2.391.^ 

2.29K 

2.2934 

2.80 

2 30 

2.30 

2.09% 

2.1114 

2.12 

2.13 

2.141^ 



Bee Jax, p., 
Fred Arthur, p., 
Ada, p., 
Leverone, p., 
Maj. Wilkes, p., 
Lucy Pan, p., 3, 
Bas Bleu Wilkes 
Princess, p., 
Elgin Girl, p., 
Nelly B., p., 
Arctic, p., . . 
Pharos, p., . 
Dick Wright, p 
Joe Rowell, p., 
Lex, p.. 
Euphony, p., 
Strathwayne, p., 
Big Wonder, p., 
Trevor, p., s. t. b.. 



2.1414 

2.1414 

2.1514 

2.16 

2.I614 

2.17 

2. 1334 

2.1934 

2.201^ 

2.21 

2.2114 

2.2114 

2.2314 

2.231^ 

2 23>^ 

2.2334 

2.2414 

2.25 

2.25 



PRODUCING SONS OF BLUE BULL. 



Billy Davis. 

Sunset, p., 
Billy Hinsley. 

M. AY 

Billy Wilson. 

Sir Gay, . . ' . 
Blue Bull, 15660. 

Jennie B., 
Blue Bull, Jr., 2878. 

Nettie, 

Lottie P., p., . 

Lottie K., p., . 

and dam of 

Belle Acton, p., 1, . 
Blue Bull (Hunt's). 

DickH., . 

Nellie Turner, p.. 

Blue Bull (Phillips'). 
Alti, p., . 

Blue Bull (Scott's). 

Sire of dam of 

Ida, .... 
Blueskin, 39S1. 

Bullmont, p., . 



2.I614 
2.2014 
2.261^ 
2.293^ 



2.19 

21714 

2.25 



22034 

3.2914 
2.2334 

2.1914 



2.291^ 
2.16 



Blue Vein, 5466. 
Country Girl, p., 
Osceola, p., 

and dams of 
Jesse Hanson, . 
Pearl Winship, 

Bonnie Boon, 5322. 
Cuba, 

Brussels, IIO43. 

Allen B., . 

Frazer, 

Spurrior Boy, . 
Bullion, 6030. 

Barbarine, 

NedB.,p, 

and dam of 

Lady Bullion, . 
Capt. Bogardus, 4246. 

Surprise, . 

Paddy Collins, . 

Sunrise, p., 
Gol. Howe, 14130. 

Mascot Bob, 



2.1534 
2.18 

2.I634 

2.2314 



2.251^ 

2.2014 
2.291^ 
3.30 



3.271^ 
3.3334 

3.I634 

2.241^ 
22914 
2.201^ 

3.3914 



114 



THE BLUE BULLS. 



Commander, 20Ji-l. 

Nelly S., . . . 3.33 

Sorrel Dan, p., . . 3.18i^ 

Henry F., p., . . . 3.2014 

Annie C, p., . . . 3.231^ 

George Hall, 2S91. 

Dr. Frank, . . . 2.37i^ 

and dam of 

EmmaNoland, p., . . 2.243^ 

Gloster. 

Dick C, p., . . . 2.183^ 

Addie C, p., . . . 3.20 
Greenback, 3884. 

JohnM 

Fred Ager, p., . 

Harry B., 4309. 

Morning Glory, 
HeadligM, 2908. 

Billy Golden, p , 
Jim Wilson, 12088. 

Belle Wilson, . 

Boone Wilson (p 2.13), 

Pawnee, . 

Irma C. (p. 2.18), . 

Ironwood, 

Johnny Bull, . 

Daisy S., p., 

Emerick Wilson, p , 

Jim Blaine, p., . . 2.25 

John Black. 

Sire of dam of 

Eura 2.191^ 



3.371^ 
2.241^^ 

2.30 

3.31 

3.20 

2.20}4 

2.2\% 

2.23>4 

3.33I4" 

3.37 

2.1734 

3.231^ 



Jot 0. 

Montephister, . . .2.29 

HyDy, p., . . . 2 2334 
Judge Craven, 16887. 

Carrie L., . . . 2.29 

Little Henry, 3883. 

Susie G.,p 3.151^ 

Little Wonder, 1304. 

Lady Wonder, . . . 2.35 



Everett M., p., . . 2.193^ 

Lockerbie, 9255. 

MaudMuller, . . . 3.20)^ 

AllieL., p 2.153^ 

Prompter, 2305. 

Apex 2.26 

Transit, 3, . . . 2.26i^ 

Lucky B., . . .2.30 

Creole, p., . . .2.15 

Walker, p., . . . 3.23i^ 

Redwood, 2.34)4. 

Sire of dam of 

Capt. Wilkes, . . . 2.3614 

Redwood Wilkes, . . 2.30 

Rocket, 12033. 

True, p., . . . . 2.2334 

Rushmlle, 3303. 

Gipsey Queen, . . . 2.19^4 

Dusty Heels, . . . 3.3714 

Bluclier, .... 3.29)4 

St. Nicholas, 4070. 

St. Lewis, . . . 2.21i| 

St. Omar, 4557. 

Johnnie B 3.273^4 

Chapman, p., . . • 2.19}^ 

and dams of 

Lula, .... 2.273^ 

Atlantic Gift, . . . 2.283^ 

Sankey, p., . . 2.25 

Tobe. Jr., 16674- 

Franklin, .... 2.19)^ 
and dam of 

Nelly McCrory, 3, . . 2.1834 
Wo7ider, 2697. 

Susie Wonder, p., . . 2.193^ 
and dam of 

LuluMcCurdy, p., . . 2.14>4 
Zach Chandler, 2028. 

Ellis, . . . .3.3634 



THE BLUE BULLS. 



115 



SIRES WHOSE DAMS ARE BY BLUE BULL. 



Belden Boy, 3020. 

Belton, 
Decorate, 16831. 

Delegate, . 
Elgin Boy, 4620. 

Nelly Lloyd, . 

Harry Jones, p., 

Edwin O., p., . 

Pearl L., p., 

Lucille, p., 

Jim Monroe, Jr., 4583. 

Bessie Polk, p., 
Kentucky Volunteer 

Harvey, . 



Vera, 

S. S., 

Benteer, . 

Vollula, p., 

Maritana, p., . 
Legal Note. 

Jersey Girl, p., 

Blue Note, p., . 
Lex, 8255. 

Six Forty, p., . 



. 2.251^ 

. 2.29I4 

. 2.223^ 

. 3. 1814- 

. 2.20 

. 2.23 

. 2.241^ 



. 2.25 

3784. 

. 2.21 

. 2.35 

. 3.391^ 

. 3.30 

. 3.153^ 

. 3.30i<£ 



. 3.301^ 
. 3.221^ 



Pharos, 3877. 

Pharon, 
Pocahontas Sam, 9106. 

Billy E., . 

Touch-Me-Not, p., . 

Zeigler, p., 

Pixley Boy, p., 

Poca Eagle, p., 
QuiLNA Chief, 3875. 

David Copperfield, p., 

Dick Wright, p.. 

Bay Leaf, p., . 

BenF., p.. 
Red Mont. 

Lottie Rocket, p., . 
Roscoe Conkling, 8035. 

Senator Conkling, . 

Judd's Baby, . 

May Conkling, 
Turk, 15313. 

Crepe McNett, s. t b., 



3.18 



. 2.393^ 

. 3.13 

. 3.133^ 

. 3.15 

. 3.211^ 

. 2.16 

. 3.331^ 

. 2.341^ 

. 3.34K 

. 2.18M 

. 3.123^ 

. 3.19M' 

. 3.38 

. 2.281^ 



3.25 



PERFORMERS WHOSE SECOND DAMS ARE BY BLUE BULL. 



Czar, 3, 

Eura, . 
Dancourt, . 
VanBuren Wilkes, s. 
Lambert B., s. t. b., 
Rosemont, s. t. b., 
Gen. Alger, 
Harold Chief, 
Phallamont Boy, 
Nelly F., . 
Michigan Prince, 
Sunlight, 



3.133^ 

3.191^ 

2.21}4 

3.211^ 

2.221^ 

2.231^ 

2.24 

2.241^ 

2.241^ 

3 25 

2 263^ 

2.37 



Amberlow, . 
Golita, 

Phallamont Girl, 
Old Judge, s. t. b 
Prince Brino, 
Witch Hazel, 
Henry F., p.. 
Baron Bel, p., 
Lebbas, 1, p., 
Sadie H., p., 
Bacon, p., . 



3.371^ 

3.371^ 

3.273^ 

2.291^ 

2.291^ 

2.291^ 

2.131^ 

2.173^ 

2.18 

2.20^ 

2.33 



Lambert B., 
Long John, 



OTHER DESCENDANTS. 



2.231^ 
3.381^ 



Clairmont, 
Ida, . 



2233^ 
3.29>^ 



116 



THE BLUE BULLS. 



RECAPITULATION 
Standard performers, .... 

Sons (34) with, 

Daughters have produced, . 
Mares by sons have produced. 
Sires out of daughters (13) vrith, . 
Daughters have produced the dams of. 
Other descendants, .... 



60 
66 
64 
14 
32 
23 
4 



Total, 



263 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 

As a breed — Component parts constituting the breed — Establish, the 
American thoroughbred Trotter — As he should be bred — Breed for 
beauty, brains, and business — Breeding the trotter a progressive 
science — An American product — Chance trotters — Racing in early 
days — The two-minute horse. 

THE American Trotting Horse as a breed, according to the 
author's ideas of what constitutes a breed (see Breed, 
Chapter I), may be said to be scarcely fairly established, and is 
composed mainly of the following families, viz. : The Hamble- 
tonian family, which is subdivided into many branches, em- 
bracing the Electioneers, Abdallahs — descendants of Alex- 
ander's Abdallah — Volunteers, Wilkes, Harolds, Dictators, 
Egberts, Strathmores, etc. ; some of which are again subdivided, 
as the Almonts, Belmonts, ]^utwoods, Spragues, etc., yet all 
grouped and classed as Hambletonians. And the Morgan fam- 
ily, descendants of old Justin Morgan, and which are also 
divided into other branches, embracing the Black Hawks, 
Ethan Aliens, Lamberts, Morrells, Fearnaughts, Magna- 
Chartas, Gold-Dusts, and Herods — all claimed as Morgans. 

Also the Bashaw family, which are descendants of the im- 
ported Arabian horse. Grand Bashaw, and are subdivided 
into and embrace the Clays, Patchens, and Bashaws of the 
present day ; and the Blue Bulls, embracing all descendants of 
that one of the most remarkable of all American-bred stallions, 
as the sire of speed from common mares — Wilson's Blue Bull ; 
together with the Mambrinos, also descended from Messenger 
through Mambrino, who sired Mambrino Paymaster — the sire 
of Mambrino Chief — (whose dam was a large, coarse. Western 
mare, pedigree unknown) and who sired six trotters and 

(117) 



118 THE AMEKICAN TROTTING HORSE. 

twenty-three sires ol eighty-seven trotters and seventeen dams 
of twenty-three trotters, and to whom some of our best trotters 
of the present day trace mainly through their dams. 

With occasional selections from the best thoroughbreds and 
from the French Canadian horse, whose blood has commingled 
through the above families, we have to-day a breed of Ameri- 
can horses of a strictly American production, of which every 
true American may justly feel proud. 

And now the time is upon us when we, as breeders of the 
American Trotter, can prosecute and advance our business 
successfully, I think, by judicious selections in breeding from 
our own acquired material without any further out-crosses. 

In fact, to step outside in crossing for the production of the 
American Trotter, is taking a backward step. I think we have 
now reached — quite recently, perhaps — the period in Ameri- 
can trotting horse breeding when foreign blood is no longer 
needed in the trotter, any more than by the thoroughbred 
runner. 

What we should now aim to establish is a national thor- 
oughbred trotting horse. As American breeders, we should, 
by wise selections and careful breeding, establish a breed of 
American horses the most desirable and most valuable of any 
breed of horses in the whole world. We certainly have the 
foundation elements for such a breed, and the results rest alone 
with the skill of the American breeder. 

Admitting that the American Trotter owes everything of 
value — excepting the trotting gait — to the thoroughbred and 
his ancestors, the Arabian and the Barb (for from these sources 
are derived courage, speed, and endurance), the great question 
of the day among horse breeders is whether we already have 
enough of this in our American Trotter, or whether it is policy 
to add more. 

My own opinion, based upon observation and experience, is 
that we should now stop experimenting with outside issues and 
attend strictly to the business of prosecuting this great work of 
thoroughly establishing this national horse, the American 



THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 119 

Trotter, and that we can no longer afford to experiment with 
outside issues or outside breeds or families. 

The trotting-bred horse is not an animal simpl}^ for racing 
or for wealthy gentlemen to drive fast on the road, but he 
raises the general standard of the horse for all work. I used 
trotting-bred horses for heavy farm work on clay land in 
Indiana with greater success than with heavier, cold-blooded 
mongrels. 

Their quick stride and great endurance is apparent to any 
observer. They are capable of a greater amount of work, and 
will do it quicker and much more intelligently than the horse 
without breeding ; and, as a horse's capacities for work are in- 
creased, his value is accordingly increased. 

There are but two nations of the earth that possess a race of 
animals known as the trotting horse. One of these nations is 
Hussia, the other is America. In the first-named country we 
find an animal proceeding from the Arabian, crossed, it is said, 
upon the Flanders stock, and called the Orlof trotter. It is 
certain that this animal is a Russian production, while the 
American Trotter is surely an American production. 

The American Trotter, as he should be bred, and what our 
market demands, is a horse of good size, style, and action ; a- 
handsome horse, and, above all, of good disposition and sound 
constitution. 

Then, if he can be trained to trot in 2.20 or less, he may be 
used for pleasure or for gambling purposes. Failing to be fast 
enough for track purposes, he is still a useful and profitable 
animal for the use of man, and his breedmg is not a failure. 

But if we breed for speed alone, without the other consid- 
erations, and get a little animal that is not a fast trotter, what 
then ? Why, we have an animal that is of but little use to the 
breeder and that no one wants to purchase at any price. The 
breeders of such animals soon become overstocked, and the cry 
goes forth that the bottom has fallen out of the breeding 
business, whereas it is only the false bottom that has dropped 
out. 



120 THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 

Breed horses for beauty, brains, and- business. Beauty 
always attracts customers who pay the highest prices. Brains, 
exhibited in good " horse sense," is an important factor in a 
horse for any purpose. A good pedigree is very valuable pro- 
vided you have an animal to match it. Standard bred horses, 
eligible to registration as such, without an animal to correspond 
to the pedigree (as often witnessed in combination sales when 
highly bred animals sell for less than half enough to pay for 
their siring), is a deplorable state of things and very discour- 
aging to the breeder. 

There are scores of horses in this country, which, from 
their individual merits and breeding, are evidently equal to the 
best, but which are reckoned " no good " simply because they 
were never trained for speed. 

Great horses, like great men, live on for j^ears after their 
death ; and, like great men, often spring up from obscurity, as 
was the case of Columbus, the founder of the Columbus fam- 
ily, of Pilot, the founder of the Pilot family, and Blue Bull, 
the great Indiana progenitor of speed. 

The ignorance of the American public — and of the world 
— in not knowing the full breeding of these great horses, as 
"was the case with Justin Morgan, don't go to show that they 
were not well bred, but that, like the Narragansett Pacer, their 
breeding has not been handed down to us through history, but 
lies locked up in the brains of those of their day, most of whom 
are no longer with us. 

The breeder who breeds for speed alone is as much a specu- 
lator as he who plays the Board of Trade. Because Williams 
raised an AUerton and an Axtell, hundreds of small breeders 
imagine they are capable of obtaining the same results. 

Speed is a valuable adjunct in the sale of an}^ horse, and, 
when added to beauty, size, and good disposition, makes the ani- 
mal most desirable in the eyes of the purchasing public. 

Breeding the American Trotter is a progressive science, the 
limits of which are, as 3''et, by no means achieved. 

Among the lovers, breeders, and patrons of the American 



THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 121 

Trotters that have during the past twenty-five years ridden 
away from us by the side of the pale horseman, down into the 
valley and through the shadow into the light beyond, memory 
records so many that I will not attempt to individualize them 
here. 

Nearly 100 years of breeding for speed at the trot, guided 
by close observation of actual performances, coupled with an 
intelligent course of breeding from animals possessing speed at 
that gait, has resulted in evolving an animal high in intelli- 
gence, quick in action, and beautiful to look upon. 

We still have much to do before we can justly claim to have 
established a breed of universal trotting horses, and the closer 
we confine ourselves to the judicious selections from such fam- 
ilies as trot and produce trotters, the sooner we shall accom- 
plish our object. 

The American Trotter is an American production made up 
of several breeds, but receiving his best blood from the Arab 
and the thoroughbred, and through them we have the founda- 
tion, by careful selection and breeding to the " fittest," of per- 
fecting a breed that will soon become famous over the whole 
civilized world, and that will give us a national reputation as 
well. 

But the time is upon us when the breeder who introduces a 
single out-cross from an inherent trotting gait, not only adds 
his possibilities of failure, but postpones the day when we shall 
be ablq to breed fast trotters with a degree of certainty. 

The American trotting horse has grown out of the selections 
made by breeders of the animal^ that could trot fast, and that 
had intelligence, when taught, to stick to that gait. Such 
as were, to use a horse expression, " level headed." 

Chance trotters may occasionally be produced in the future 
as in the past, but the careful breeder of trotters will select for 
his harem mares not only of those possessing good trotting ac- 
tion themselves, but of families where the trotting gait has 
been successfully cultivated by selection and use until inherit- 



122 THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 

ance has commenced to lend its powerful aid in transmitting 
what was originally a spontaneous effusion. 

The rapid stride that trotting horse breeding has taken may 
be imagined from the fact that thirty-five years ago Vermont 
Black Hawk with three trotters in the 2.30 list AA-as the cham- 
pion trotting sire of the world. When nineteen years old, 
Ethan Allen, with four in the list, was the champion trotting 
sire, while now we have iive-year-old stallions with more in 
the list. 

There can be no great national success in the breeding of 
horses, beyond profitable home consumption, until such breed- 
ing shall be demanded by other civilized people for stock and 
breeding purposes ; consequently, we should aim to create and 
establish a truly " American Trotting Horse " of value from its 
blood qualities for export. 

So universal is the fancy for fast driving horses that at 
almost all our fairs and horse shows the roadster class will be 
found to be more largely represented than any other, and 
usually more so than all other classes combined. The time is 
fast approaching when the American Trotting Horse will be 
classed as a distinct breed, the creation of an American fanc}?", 
just as the thoroughbred running horse was a creation of the 
English. 

To the student of breeding, who revels in tracing the in- 
fluence of the fusion of blood elements, there is not a more 
curious, amusing, and instructive study than the history, of the 
American Trotting Horse of the period. 

Being created out of vastly divergent blood elements, 
bringing with them widely different characteristics and 
talents, and also suffering under conflicting theories of 
breeding, the American Trotter emerges to-da}^, an almost dis- 
tinct breed, differing from all others, no matter what their 
nationality, chiefly in the perpetuating of the qualities and the 
height of his development. The result is, indeed, wonderful, 
considering the various sources that have been utilized, the 
foundation stock of which was undoubtedly well advanced 



THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSF.. 123 

in progress before the advent of Messenger, although at present 
the idea is ahnost universally held that the history of the 
standard bred American Trotter begins with the advent of 
Messenger in America. 

But while I do not desire to belittle the influence of this 
horse, Messenger, I believe we had already, in America, pre- 
vious to his importation, a good foundation trotting stock, 
especially in the New England States, derived from the former 
importations of the Arabian and thoroughbred stock, and also 
from the ISTarragansett Pacer, which, as a breed, contributed 
much to the early fusions that resulted in the trotter, Avhich 
completely supplanted them before the beginning of the present 
century. (See Narragansett Pacer, Chapter TV.) 

Pacing of all kinds was common in those early days. Writ- 
ing about Phode Island in 1735, Pev. James McSparron 
observes that he has seen some of these pacers " pace a mile in 
a little more than two minutes and a little less than three." 

It appears from this that the timers of those days were not 
so particular as to split seconds or really to count them in a 
horse race. 

The first demand for trotters seems to have sprung up in 
Connecticut, where horses advertised for sale in the newspapers 
of seventy-five years ago sometimes had reference to their 
trotting qualities ; and history points to a time when Connecti- 
cut found a market for her fast trotters araiong the wealthy 
planters of the West Indies, who, it seems, were at that time 
acquiring a taste for this kind of sport. But the fast trotters 
of that period would hardly be reckoned as such at the present 
time. 

When the trotting horse "Yankee" made a record of 2.59, 
he astonished the world, as well as the unlucky man that had 
bet heavily that no horse cobld beat three minutes. 

It was many years later when Topgallant brought the 
record down to 2.40, and in 1843 Lady Suffolk lowered it to 
2.28. Thirteen years later, in 1856, Flora Temple dropped it 
to 2.24J and in 1859 to 2.19f . It then took seven years more 



124 THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 

to bring out a Dexter capable of reducing this fastest time 
record only If seconds, placing it at 2.18, and one year more 
to reach 2.17^. It took four years more to get off that quar- 
ter of a second, which was done by Goldsmith Maid, who 
finally reduced it to 2.14. Eight years more of breeding and 
training brought out Rarus, who reduced the record in 1878 to 
2.13i. St. Julian, a year later, got off another half second 
and Maud S. took off a few more, reducing the time to 2.08f , 
w^hich record she held as Queen of the trotting turf from 1885 
to 1891, when, with greatly improved tracks, sulkies, and trot- 
ting appliances, she was compelled to lay down the crown ; 
Avhile to-day Alix holds the trotting record of 2.03|. 

Seventy-live or eighty years ago no one could have been 
made to believe for a moment that a horse could ever trot a 
full mile inside of three minutes ; but now it is confidently ex- 
pected that an American trotter will make a mile in two 
minutes. 

In 1843 there were but two horses in America that could trot 
a mile in 2.30, while in 1881 there were over twelve hundred 
that could do it. In this country, we, as American horse 
breeders, have not been satisfied to raise horses that would 
beat our neighbors' horses, but have been tr3ing to beat " Old 
Father Time " himself. 

The time has passed when horses can command long prices 
on breeding and performances alone ; they must combine with 
speed and good breeding, good looks and sj^mmetrical confor- 
mation, coupled with size sufficient to enable them to become 
useful servants to man, in case their owners, like myself, are not 
sporting men ; and the market calls for fast road, carriage, and 
business horses, instead of fast trotters for sport or gambling 
purposes alone. 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

CLEVELAND BAY. 

Origin and especial merits — As now bred — Demand in this country — French 
coach horses — The government stud of France — Wonderful knee 
action — Color. 

I'N conformation and general appearance these horses show a 
wonderful similarity, and this fact, added to their larg© 
size, great style, and fine dispositions, made them at an early 
day the carriage or park horse of the English aristocracy. 
The larger and heavier ones were selected to pull the old- 
fashioned English coaches across the country at the time when 
railways were unknown. 

The fertile district of Cleveland, from whence this breed 
takes its name, became famous for their production, and for 
years they were bred with the greatest care and discretion. 
Later on, when coaching became a thing of the past, this breed 
was neglected. The mares were bred to thoroughbred horses 
to produce saddle horses, hunters, and cavalry mounts. They 
gave greater size and more bone than the thoroughbred pos- 
sessed, while their fine proportions and style made them easily 
matched for carriage horses. Originally, it is said, the Cleve- 
land Bay was a large and rather coarse horse compared to that 
breed of the present day, as remodeled and reconstructed by 
the mingling of thoroughbred blood. 

The original Cleveland Bays were frequently seventeen 
hands high and usually weighed from 1,500 to 1,700 pounds. 
These large horses were fined down by judicious crossings, the 
thoroughbred being used largely for the purpose, until in form 
and general appearance they were models of elegant propor- 
tion and symmetry. 

The demand which has sprung up in this country within 

(125) 



126 CLEVELAND BAY. 

the last fifteen or twenty years for well-matched and stylish 
carriage teams, again directed attention to the Cleveland Bay 
as most likely to supply such horses as were demanded. The 
purchase of a number of them in the last few years by Ameri- 
cans has led the English breeders to take steps to revive their 
breeding in that country, and an association has been formed 
issuing a stud book in which all horses of the breed deemed 
worthy are to be registered. 

The Cleveland Bay, as now bred, is a horse of sixteen to 
sixteen and three-quarters hands high and w^eighs from 1,300 
to 1,500 pounds. In color they are generally bay with black 
points, but sometimes dappled bay with occasional browns and 
dappled browns, always with black points. Originally they 
were nearly universally bay in color, and were said to be as 
near alike in color as Devon cattle ; but the use of the thor- 
oughbred stallions has introduced somewhat of a change in 
this respect. They should, however, be free from white mark- 
ings, always with black points and of one of the colors men- 
tioned above. 

The head should be fine, the eyes large and prominent, the 
<ears well apart and fine, the neck well arched and set on 
strong, oblique shoulders ; the chest deep, rather than broad, 
partaking more of the shape of the race-horse than of the 
draft ; the back short, quarters long and well-rounded ; the legs 
clean, strong, symmetrical ; and the feet always perfect. 

Sanders, in his excellent work entitled "Horse Breeding," 
published in 1885, speaks of the Cleveland Bay of to-day as 
being created anew, as was the breed when it was formerly 
considered a breed, by the mingling of the blood of the 
thoroughbred race-horse with that of the large bay mares 
•of Yorkshire ; and that the old Cleveland Bay has become ex- 
tinct as a breed. Yet he says : ''I am free to admit that there 
is still much stock remaining in that region possessing the old 
Cleveland characteristics, and perhaps much of the blood that 
formerly belonged to this breed, and it is evident that the same 
course of breedino- which orio-inallv formed the breed mioht 



CLEVELAND BAY. 127 

speedily restore it from the material now remaining in that 
country as well as this, viz., the use of stout, strong, stylish 
thoroughbred sires, upon large, active, and stylish bay mares." 

The " National Cyclopedia," in speaking of the Cleveland 
Bay, says: "Since the beginning of the present century very 
many modifications of this horse have been accomplished by 
crossings and selections, which, while preserving all the good 
points of the Cleveland Bay, have so modified them that to- 
day, it is said, there is not an animal to be found — even in the 
east riding district of Yorkshire — of the pure, unmixed, and 
unimproved blood." 

"The improvement has been brought about by crossing 
staunch thoroughbreds upon the original stock, and by selec- 
tion, so that they are now acknowledged to stand as a type of 
all that is excellent in a horse of medium weight (1,200 to 1,400 
pounds), from fifteen and one-half to sixteen and one-half 
hands high, combining style, muscular activity, spirit, bottom 
and good-form in an eminent degree." 

They are constantly gaining favor, it is said, in England, 
where they breed horses for light and medium hauling carriage 
horses, and all work where style and muscle are especially re- 
quired. The crest and withers are almost invariably good ; the 
head bony, lean, and well set on. Ewe necks are probably 
rarer in this horse than in any other family, unless it be the 
English dray horse, in which it is never seen. 

Messrs. George E. Brown & Co., of Aurora, 111., were 
among the earliest importers in this country who recognized 
the merits of the breed. 

This breed of horses is popular in some sections of the 
United States of America as a foundation upon which to build 
coach and carriage horses of good color and style, by crossing 
the mares of this breed upon the American trotting horse, 
thereby adding speed to the size and beauty of the Clevelands. 



128 THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 

FRENCH COACH HORSE. 

For the following information regarding the French coach 
horse I am indebted to the kindness of the editor of their " Stud 
Book^': 

" The following history of the government studs of France, 
and their effect upon the horses of that country will give a 
person a fair idea of the quality of horses the scientific breeder 
of later periods were provided with ; from which, by ming- 
ling the blood of the Arab, Barb, and thoroughbred, they 
formed that magnificent race of coach horses that so admirably 
meets the demands of the fastidious purchasers of high-step- 
ping, fine-styled, smooth-formed horses of sufficient weight to 
draw the heavy European coaches of the present day. 

" The liberal aid in supplying the finest stallions, the gener- 
ous encouragement extended to the breeders of fine horses by 
the government in France since the establishment of the Gov- 
ernment Stud Book by Louis Phillip in 1833, has done much to 
secure that combination of power, elegance, and endurance 
that has placed the French coach horse in the front rank of 
excellence among the carriage breeds of the world. 

The need of this class of horses in America has been griev- 
ously felt, and the demand for them is constantly increasing, 
and their raising will undoubtedly prove a lucrative branch of 
horse breeding. The eagerness that information is sought after 
on the subject is the best evidence that we can have that the 
introduction of French coachers into America Avill meet 
with a favorable reception. 

THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 

" The French government has taken an interest in the im- 
provement of horses never equaled by that of any other nation. 

"That the French people have from the earliest periods 
been ardent lovers of equme perfection is evinced in the early 
superiority of the horses of that countr3\ and the popularity of 
every move made by the government tending towards their 
improvement. 



THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 129 

" As early as the middle ages the horse of France had a 
recognized superiority over those of any other country, which 
may be partially attributed to its peculiar system of govern- 
ment. 

"Upon the accession of Hugh Capet, in the tenth century, 
France was divided into about 70,000 fiefs, governed by nobles. 
The constant dissensions among these petty lords made a mili- 
tary education a necessity for self -protection. In those days of 
chivalry, when the success of a battle depended chiefly upon 
the prowess of mounted knights, the strength and endurance of 
their horses was of more importance and more highly appre- 
ciated than at any other period of the world's history. Under 
these necessities a most powerful and intense impulse was 
given to the development of horses suited to the requirements 
of the period. 

" We thus see in the feudal ages the improvement of horses 
based upon individual necessity, but as this system disappeared 
in the centralization of the government in the crown, the powers 
of the state slowly absorbing feudal sovereignty, the govern- 
ment itself became interested in all movements tending toward 
the production of a superior class of horses, so necessary at that 
time for a thorough military equipment, upon which its safety 
depended. 

" The most effective and energetic action in establishmg 
permanent government studs was taken under the administra- 
tion of the great French minister, Colbert, in 1665, and was so 
well managed that in 1690 statistics show the number of royal 
and approved stallions, standing in France, to be 1,600. The 
government stallions kept at the Haras were called the King's 
stallions, and were selected from among the best and finest 
breeds found in France, and many were brought from Barbary, 
Turkey, Spain, and later from England. The approved stal- 
lions werp the produce of government stallions and the best 
mares of the country. 

" Two large government Haras were established by Louis V, 
9 



130 THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE, 

that of Pin, 1714, located near the borders of La Perche, which 

was the first and largest estal)lishment of its kind ever estab- 
lished, and where the finest stallions belonging to the govern- 
ment have been kept up to the present day. It is to this 
establishment that the Percherons owe much of their superior- 
ity, as here was kept the Arab Gallipoli, from which is de- 
scended the famous Jean le Blanc (739), the progenitor of 
many of the finest Percherons of the present day. In 1775 the 
Haras of Pompadour were established with twelve depots, 
and placed under the superintendence of the administration of 
the Haras. 

" In 1789, there were in France 3,239 approved and govern- 
ment stallions, which served, according to regulations, 115,000 
mares, producing 55,000 living colts. From 1815 to 1833 the 
government bought for service in their studs 1,902 stallions; 
of these 223 came from Arabia and other foreign countries, 853 
from the northern departments of France, principally from 
Calvados and La Perche, and 826 were selected from the finest 
of the improved breeds from government stallions. In 1831 a 
most noticeable advance was made toward the improvement of 
the light breeds suitable for coach and cavalry purposes, whicli 
was followed, in 1833, by a royal decree establishing a Govern- 
ment Stud Book for the preservation of pedigrees ; this was 
placed under the supervision of the Minister of Agriculture. 
After the establishment of this stud-book more critical judg- 
ment was exercised in the selection of stallions for government 
use than ever before, and large prizes were offered for colts 
produced by the finest mares of the country. Since the estab- 
lishment of this stud-book a very decided improvement has 
taken place in the character of the horses of the entire country, 
between 11,000 and 12,000 owned by the government having 
been recorded. ISTo animal is given a number unless belonging 
to the government studs. 

" May 5, 1870, the management of the government Haras 
or studs was vested in the Department of Agriculture and 
Commerce, under the immediate supervision of a director- 



THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 131 

general, eight inspectors, twenty -six sub-directors, ten superin- 
tendents, and twenty-six veterinaries. 

" In order to be eligible to an appointment to one of the 
above offices, the candidate must be a graduate of the Ecole 
de Haras du Pin, a school located at the Haras of Pin for the 
education of men to whom shall be confided the future man- 
agement of this department of the government. 

" In 1874 the number of stallions owned by the government 
throughout France was ordered increased 200 per year until 
they should reach 2,500, and the credit necessary for prizes 
awarded to breeding animals should reach 1,500,000 francs per 
annum, and a special sum of 50,000 francs per year was granted 
to make experiments with Arab and Anglo- Arab, and for this 
purpose sixty finely bred mares were placed at the Haras of 
Pompadour. 

"In the organization by the government of the administra- 
tion of the Haras, there has been one central object constantly 
kept in view", that is the encouragement of the people by every 
means possible to a higher standard of breeding, and at the 
same time to furnish them with the means by which to accom- 
plish this object, by the introduction into every locality of the 
finest of the different breeds and types which are offered for 
use to the mare-owners at a nominal fee of service. These 
consist, first, of stallions ow^ned by the government itself; 
second, stallions belonging to private individuals inspected and 
approved by the government, such approved stallions receiv- 
ing from the government, as long as they are so kept, from 300 
to 3,000 francs per annum, according to their breeding and 
superior excellence; third, authorized stallions, animals by 
government inspection are pronounced of good quality and 
worthy of public patronage. To farther prevent the use of in- 
ferior animals a decree was issued in 1885, excluding from pub- 
lic service all stallions not authorized by the government. 

"By a decree of December 9, 1860, a subsidy, or prize, of 
from 100 to 600 francs each (according to breeding and quality) 
was authorized to be given to approved mares with colts by 



132 THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 

government stallions. Besides this, large sums are given in 
prizes at the annual regional exhibitions and races held under 
the auspices of the government. 

"We thus see the French government the most liberal 
patron of the breeder and the stallioner, but farther 3'et than 
this, it becomes an important factor in sustaining the prices of 
the finest types of all breeds, as the hundreds of stallions of the 
very highest order of merit that they are obliged to buy 
annually to supply the Haras, creates a constant demand for 
the best types at very high prices. 

" The valuable qualities claimed for the French horses over 
those of other coach breeds are based upon a system of breed- 
ing not possessed by any other race. 

" The breeding of all classes of domestic animals in every 
country is conducted by individual enterprize and the out- 
growth of individual ideas. Therefore the fixity of type is 
greatly affected or destroyed altogether by the variety of opin- 
ions entertained by the large number of people of different 
tastes engaged in the breeding ; hence, so general a lack of that 
uniformity of character so highly esteemed and so necessary in 
every successful breeding animal. The French Coach breeds 
instead of being the product of a multiplicity of ideas, has been 
developed under the exclusive guidance of the Director-General 
of the National Studs of France ; and as these officials are 
educated in the same school from generation to generation, are 
taught to value the same form, seek for the same qualities, and 
pursue the same system, we can understand how it has been 
possible for them to attain such high perfection and great uni- 
formity in the horses of the country. The power exercised by 
the Inspector-General is extraordinary, controlling, as he does, 
the selection of the 2,500 stallions owned exclusively by the 
government, and the thousands of others annually inspected, 
which must obtain his approval before receiving their permits 
and subsidy ; and, further, all breeders are confined exclusively 
to the use of animals inspected and licensed by this department. 



THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 133 

This places liorse-breecling entirely under government control, 
as far as the stallions, which so greatly control results, can do. 

" The coach stallions used in France are the descendants and 
possess a combination of the Arab and the French and English 
thoroughbreds. The most famous trotting families of this breed 
are the result of the mingling of the blood of the l^orfolk trot- 
ters, a breed that, through Imported Belfounder, has given to 
American trotters much of their renown, imported Phenome- 
non in France corresponding to imported Belfounder in the 
United States. 

" The uniting of all of the valuable qualities of the various 
breeds, and concentrating them through several generations 
under the direction of a single mind, has developed a race of 
such size and perfect symmetry, and a wonderful endurance 
that makes it possible for them to trot, as three and four-year- 
olds, the three to seven mile races common to that country. 
Although they do not attain the high speed of American Trot- 
ters, when Ave consider the size of the animals, man}'- of them 
attaining a weight of 1,300 to 1,400 pounds in trotting con- 
dition, their cumbersome vehicles or heavy-weight riders and. 
inferior tracks, we cannot but recognize that they possess 
qualities worthy of consideration. 

" The IST ational Studs are supplied with these stallions from 
various parts of France where the breed has attained its highest 
perfection. The mares are owned by the breeders of the 
country, and the stallions are in use by the government, which 
buys large numbers to keep up its supply. 

" The finest of these horses are bred in the department of 
Calvados, where, in the fall of every year, the government pur- 
chases are made. 

" The French Coach Horse of to-day stands from 16 to 16^ 
hands high and weighs from 1,350 to 1,500 pounds ; high on 
withers, deep, sloping shoulders ; very long neck, well cut up in 
throttle ; fine ears, well set ; broad forehead with large, intelligent 
eyes, indicating good disposition and spirit ; short back ; well 
sprung rib ; strong, full loin ; long, level quarter ; tail well set, a 



134 THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 

striking characteristic of the breed being to carry the head and 
the tail high ; broad in the stilie ; very strong, broad hock, stand- 
ing on clean, flat, cordy legs ; very broad, strong joints in knee 
as well as hock ; suflicient length of pasterns to give them 
elasticity ; and, underneath all, feet formed to stand the road. 

" The most striking characteristics and strong point of the 
breed is their wonderful elasticity and uniformly high knee and 
hock action, which peculiarly adapts them for use as gentle- 
men's driving horses, over all other breeds of coach horses. 

" A still further commendation for them to our people is the 
certainty with which they transmit their own good qualities to 
their offspring. For more than half a century they have been 
bred under the strictest government supervision, so that their 
pedigrees are beyond dispute. The government certificate of 
breeding accompanies each animal, and they all trace directly 
to the thoroughbred." 

In color they are mostly bays and browns, with but little 
white markings. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

DRAFT HORSES. 

The Percheron Horse — Breed divided into three classes — Percheron, son 
of the Arabian ^ As a draft horse — Road qualities — English draft 
or shire horse — Origin and history — Disposition — Importers — The 
Clydesdale horse — Introduced into Scotland in thirteenth century — 
Clydesdale Society of America — Importers. 

THE PEECHEEON HOESE. 

THE Percheron horse in his own country, Perche, France, 
is divided into three classes ; first, the light Percheron, 
in which the sanguine temperament predominates ; second, the 
draft Percheron, in which the lymphatic temperament is the 
most fully developed ; and, third, the Percheron intermediately 
between these two, partaking of the one by its lightness and 
the other by its muscular force. 

Breeders of Percherons in Perche preserve pure and with- 
out intermixture the three types ; but the Percheron horse as 
bred for export — chiefly to the United States of America — is 
the second type, the draft breed, and is a horse from sixteen to 
sixteen and one-half hands high, and weighing, when in full 
flesh, some 1,600 to 1,800 pounds, and sometimes more ; Ara- 
bian built, clean limbs, and the very best of feet, and usually 
gray in color. 

A French writer on the horse of Perche says : " We can- 
not find in history the written positive proof that the Percheron 
is an Arab, but we believe it easy." 

It is well known that after the defeat of the Saracen Chief 
Abderame by Charles Martel, on the plains of Yonille, the 
magnificent cavalry of the foe fell into the hands of the vic- 
tors, since more than 300,000 infidels were killed on that day, 
and the horses which they rode were, like themselves, from 

the East. 

(135) 



136 DRAFT HORSES. 

Upon a division of the spoil a larg6 number of these were 
assigned to the men of La Perche, who composed a portion of 
the French forces, and they must necessarily have left in their 
progeny indelible traces of their blood. The Lord of Mont- 
donblea, the Count Eoger of Bellsraer, and others also imported 
the Arabian horse into France. These Arabian stallions were 
crossed upon the large black mares of Flanders, the prevailing 
draft horse of France in those days, but as the gray has for 
many generations been the prevailing color, and for other no- 
ticeable variations, it is evident that this breed has but little in 
common with the old parent stock except in size. 

A horse of the type and style, and with the disposition, 
foot, and leg of the Arabian, and the size of the heavier draft 
horses, cannot but be the best in the category of draft horses. 

The Percheron is especially distinguished for its capacity for 
rapid locomotion with heavy load, and is peculiarly adapted for 
drawing the heavy post and traveling carriages of that country 
before the advent of the railways. 

The most active and powerful of the heavy breeds of Orien- 
tal origin, what the Darley Arabian was to the English thor- 
oughbred and the gray Arabian Serctan to the Orlofs, the 
gray Arabian Gallipoli, imported in 1820, has been to the 
Percheron horse of France. In fact, this Oriental Arabian 
blood, wherever introduced, in all nations and all climates, has 
been a powerful factor of improvement in the equme race. 

There is every reason to believe that this breed, like the 
draft breeds of England and Scotland, derived its size, orig- 
inally, from the large black horses of Flanders ; but the 
Percheron horse, as now bred, shows a very great analogy by 
his coat, conformation, character of race, mild disposition, and 
endurance to the Arab, of which he seems to be the son, not- 
withstanding certain differences, the result of time, climate, and 
the region in which he is bred and in which he lives. 

The Percheron of the primitive type has a gray coat like 
the Arab, and, like him, an abundant and silky mane, a fine 
skin, and a large, prominent, and expressive eye. 



DRAFT HORSES. 137 

They, as a breed, have become the wonder of the world for 
their rapid draft — th'eir ability to move a heavy load at a 
rapid gait. 

Road Qualities of the Percheron Horse. 

A gray mare of Oine, France, in 1815, performed the fol- 
lowing match : Harnessed to a tillbury, she started from Ber- 
nay at the same time as the mail courier from Rouen to Bor- 
deaux, and arrived before it at Alencon, having made fifty-five 
and three-fifths miles over a hilly and difficult road in four 
hours and twenty-four minutes. 

In 1864, a gray mare seven years old, haTnessed to a till- 
bury, traveled fifty-eight miles and back on two consecutive 
days, going at a trot and without being touched with a whip. 
This was also over a hilly road from Lyons-la-Foret to Pont 
Audemer and back, a difficult and hilly road. 

The following time was made : First day, the distance, 
fifty-eight miles, was trotted in four hours, one minute, and 
thirty-five seconds ; the second day, in four hours, onet minute, 
and thirty seconds. The thirteen and three-quarters last miles 
was made in one hour, although at about the forty -first mile the 
mare was obliged to pass her stable to finish the distance. 

When we take into consideration all the desirable qualities 
in a heavy horse for draft purposes, and especially for moving 
heavy loads at a rapid rate, and for agricultural purposes, where 
weight and strength are indispensable, and to continuous work 
in cities on pavements, so trying to the feet of all horses, and 
especially so to those breeds disposed to be flat-footed, — then 
in the Percheron we find so many desirable qualities as to 
render him incomparable with all other breeds. Vive la 
Percheron ! 

ENGLISH DRAFT OR SHIRE HORSE. 

This most excellent breed of heavy draft horses are, unques- 
tionably, direct descendants of the famous breed of large black 
horses that Prof. Low — an English writer on horses — thinks 
inhabited, in a wild state, the vast regions of marsh and forest 



138 DRAFT HORSES. 

which stretched all through Europe from the mouth of the 
Rhine westward to the Euxine Sea. How or when this breed 
originated we have no history ; but it appears to have been the 
prevailing one through Normandy, Flanders, and Germany. 
They were largely imported into England as early as the 11th 
century and the large stallions were freely used t» increase the 
size of the then diminutive horses of that island. 

History says that royalty encouraged their importation 
and use, and that King John himself imported at one time one 
hundred choice stallions from Flanders ; and Robert Bakewell, 
the great pioneer of the world in the improvement of domes- 
tic live stock, and who became the world's great teacher in the 
principles of stock-breeding, went himself to Holland in about 
1770, where he selected several mares with which to mate 
the best stallions of England at that time ; and with them 
formed the nucleus of this breed of draft horses which are now 
so famous throughout the civilized world. 

As previously stated, the prevailing color of these large 
horses was black, but the English draft horse of to-day as now 
imported and bred in America, is variable in color : many of 
them are still black while others wear coats of different colors ; 
some are brown and many are bay. We may, I think, safely 
say that they run mostly in these three colors — black, brown, 
and bay, with some white markings on the majority of them. 

As a breed they are very stout and compactly built, "low 
down," short coupled, and horses measuring from fifteen and 
three-quarters to sixteen and one-half hands will usually weigh, 
in good flesh, from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. 

Their legs are somewhat hairy, — considerably so ; rather 
flat than round, and they usually have pretty good feet, al- 
though in some cases rather disposed to be a little too flat. 

Thair dispositions are usually good and they make excellent 
draft horses, especially so for slow and heavy work- while 
their crosses on the smaller stock of our country make excel- 
lent teams for lighter hauling, and for agricultural purposes as 
well. 



* DRAFT HORSES. 139 

There have been within the past few years many choice 
specimens of this noble animal imported to America. Among- 
the importers of note may be recorded George E. Brown & Co. 
of Aurora, 111., Blair Brothers, Am-ora, 111., Gailbreth Brothers, 
Janes ville, Wis., etc. Besides those imported into the United 
States there have been many brought into Canada. 

The greatest objection to the original Shire or great cart 
horse of England, except as a shaft horse to the heavy trucks 
of London and Liverpool, was its abominable slowness, ren- 
dering this breed unpopular with plowmen and teamsters ex- 
cept those of the heaviest work ; but by judicious crossings on 
breeds of more activity, the English draft horse, as we know 
him here in America, is a different animal as regards activity,, 
from the original cart-horse of fifty years ago. 

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE. 

The Clydesdale breed now so extensively diffused through- 
out the United States and Canada, derives its origin from the 
same source as the English draft or Shire horse ; they, too,, 
originated from the great black horse breed of Flanders, Lan- 
arkshire being the original home of the Clydes. 

They were introduced into Scotland somewhere in the 13th 
century, and many of the best of this breed in Scotland were 
the descendants of a noted black mare formerly the property 
of William, the Earl of Douglas, one of the ancestors of the 
Duke of Hamilton, who, in later years, became a noted breeder 
of Clydesdales of Scotland. 

There can be no question but there has been an almost con- 
stant mingling of the blood of the Shire and the cart horse of 
England with that of the Clydesdales of Scotland, and at the 
present day the difference between the two breeds is so very 
slight that many intelligent breeders of both England and 
Scotland recommend that they should be classed as a single 
breed and that but one stud-book should be maintained for- 
them. Of late years, however, it is supposed that each breed 



140 DRAFT HORSES. • 

has been bred separately and now both England and America 
have stud-books wherein their breeding is duly recorded. 

The Clydesdale Society of America was organized in 1877, 
and the first volume of the American stud-book issued in 1882. 

As regards size the Clydes may be classed with our heaviest 
draft horses. They, like their competitors in strength, the 
Shire and Percheron, frequently weigh a ton. As to build, 
they are possessed of powerful limbs, heavy, haii^ legs — long 
hair extending from the knees down on the fore-legs and from 
near the hocks down on the hind legs — and large, flat feet; 
too flat, in many instances. They are naturally slow motioned 
hut powerful draft horses, and where the work for horses is 
both slow and heavy, they are a valuable breed. 

As to color, the modern Clydes are of various colors, but as 
with their cousins, the Shires, their prevailing colors are black, 
brown, and bay, with usually more or less white markings. 

This breed has been quite extensively imported into the 
United States and Canada, and have exercised a powerful in- 
fluence on the draft horse stock of this country. 

Among the importers in the United States may be men- 
tioned Powell Brothers, Shadeland, Pa., John H. Bass, Fort 
"Wayne, Ind., Kobert HoUoway, Alexis, 111., etc. 

Among the Canadian importers may be classed D. & O. 
Sorby of Guelph, Ont.; H. H. Hurd, Hamilton, Ont.; C. M. 
Acer, Montreal, Que.; R. Beath & Co., Bowmanville, Ont., and 
"William Pennie of Toronto, Ont. 

This breed has its staunch friends among the draft horse 
breeders of America, and for years it has been a "tug of war" 
among American breeders as to which of the three great draft 
horse breeds — the Percheron, English Draft, and Clj^desdale — 
was the most popular and meritorious. 



CHAPTEE XY. . 

SHETLAND PONIES. 

The Shetland Isles — Sustained by survival of the fittest — Purest of ai'i 
breeds of ponies. 

THE Shetland Islands, lying in the high latitude of 59 to 61 
degrees, north of Scotland, once belonged to Denmark,, 
but since the year 1468 have belonged to and are a j^art of Scot- 
land, being separated therefrom by nearly 200 miles of rough 
and dangerous sea. 

They consist of about 120 islands,* the whole area of which 
is about 500 square miles. Of all these islands only about 
fifteen or twenty are inhabited, chief among which is the Main- 
land, containing the only towns or villages in the whole group. 
Lerwick, with a population of about 5,000, is the capital, and 
Scalloway, the former capital, has a population of about TOO,. 
and is situated about seven miles west of Lerwich on the coast ; 
all other places are very small and devoted almost entirely to 
the fishing interests. 

The other islands of this group of some account are Bres- 
say, Whalsey, Fetlar, Yell, and Unst, the latter being the 
most northern of the entire group, and on which is situated 
Haroldswick, the most northern port and post-office of Her 
Majesty's domains. 

To the west of the Mainland are Eoula, Muckle Roe, Papa. 
Stow, and East and West Burra. 

These islands are bleak, barren, and tempestuous, and in 
winter are extremely cold and uncomfortable, owing their 
severity of climate more to the cold, damp, sweeping winds 
than to the actual degree of coldness as indicated by the ther- 
mometer, which seldom registers below zero. A zero-day on 
the Shetland Isles, with a stiff breeze full of sea dampness,, 

(141) 



142 SHETLAND PONIES. 

means more suffering from cold and exposure than we can 
realize — it is said — from the interior of our country with the 
thermometer at 50 degrees below zero, as sometimes witnessed 
in northern Montana and Manitoba. 

While the temperature of these islands may be ail that can 
be desired for summer residence, and the coast scenery and sea 
views therefrom most singularly picturesque, yet we would 
never think of selecting these hilly, rocky, rough, and almost 
barren islands, located as they are,, for a horse-breeding section 
of our great world ; and yet horse-breeding on many of these 
islands, with the cold North Sea on the one side and the stern 
Atlantic on the other, is quite extensively (compared with all 
the other business of these isles except fishing) carried on, and 
the exportation of horses produced here is of considerable con- 
sideration. 

While the origin of the Shetland Ponies may be unknown, 
they having been there as far back as we have any knowledge 
of the country, jet it is said that sometime in the 16th century 
some ships of the Spanish Armada went ashore there, having 
had on board some fine horses belonging to the admiral's stud. 
This cross, it is claimed, imparted much of the beauty and 
fleetness to the Shetlands ; and to-da37^ it is not much of a trick 
for the practiced horse-man, well versed in breeds of horses, to 
detect in the little Shetland of forty inches in height the colors 
and general characteristics of the Spanish horse, whose blood is 
so profusely diffused through our native wild horses of 
America, whose origin was derived from the same source. 

Mr, Elliott of West Liberty, Iowa, an extensive importer of 
the Shetland Pony to America, tells us that a titled lady of 
Scotland, by the name of Nicholson, "has for years crossed 
small Arabian stallions on Shetland mares, the produce being 
a pony 46 to 48 inches high, and some of which are extremely 
fine. These are known to the trade as Fetlar, or Nicholson 
ponies." 

These ponies are mostly confined to the Isle of Fetlar. 
Iceland ponies have also been put on the island of Bressay, on 



SHETLAND PONIES. 143 

which Shetland stallions have been crossed. Larger ponies 
from Scotland, the Galloways, and the Exmour have also been 
crossed on the little Shetland mares in order to give them more 
size, but so long as pony raising on the Shetland Isle is con 
ducted as it has been for the past years, when the dear little 
creatures have been allowed to run at large on the hills and 
live on the heather with what scant grass they could find, and 
in the winter driven to the extremity of subsisting on sea-weed, 
and sometimes driven by hunger to the necessity of eating dead 
fish that have been washed up in the sea-weed, there is no 
danger, I think, of their ever emerging into draft horses. 

The Shetland Pony, as with the Wild Horse of America, is 
to-day sustained in his own country and on his own soil by the 
" survival of the fittest." It is said by those who know that 
*' they are seldom fed a handful of grain or hay during the long, 
cold winters." Neither are they provided with shelter either 
natural or artificial, but are obliged to stand out of doors and 
take the weather just as it comes, both summer and winter. 

JSTature has not on these islands provided trees to give them 
shade in summer or protection from the cold, sweeping winds 
of winter. They often, it is said, get so weak and poor that 
they are obliged to stand braced with their hind feet well apart 
in order to keep on their feet at all ; and hence, m the opinion 
of Mr. Elliott, many of them " become cow-hocked." 

Mr. Elliott, who has often visited the islands, and who is, 
perhaps, one of our largest importers of Shetlands to this 
country, says : " The mares seldom breed of tener than every 
alternate year, but keep at it to a great age, even to thirty 
years or more." If the foal w^ere not allowed to suck its dam 
the first winter it is doubtful if many of them would survive. 

In size, the pure Shetland Pony of to-day measures from 36 
to 44 inches in height. "When an imported pony measures 
more than that his breeding may be considered somewhat doubt- 
ful as to purity of blood, for, as has been said before, the quality 
of blood has been somewhat tampered with by the introduction 
of foreign blood carried to the islands. 



144 ' SHETLAND PONIES. 

The pure Shetland Pony I consider the purest in blood of 
all ponies, and the only breed of ponies of which I shall treat 
as a distinct breed in this work on " American Horses and 
Horse Breeding." 

In color they are variable, embracing all colors, I believe, 
from black to white, while many of them are speckled and bear 
the marks, in some instances, of what I believe to be their an- 
cestors, in part, at least, the Spanish horse. 

Their manes and tails are heavy and bushy, which is a 
characteristic of horses raised in cold countries. The breeding 
of these ponies as pets and playthings for children among the 
wealthy and well-to-do classes of our country has already be- 
come one of the American industries of importance, and is 
largely on the increase. 

The Shetland Pony of to-day, as we find him in America, 
either imported or home bred, is a tough, rugged, usually sound 
(with the best of feet), gentle, clever, good-dispositioned 
animal, suitable for pets and very tractable, but too small for 
general use. He is an animal loved by women and children, 
and as salable to-day, perhaps, as any other breed of horses in 
America. The American Shetland Club Book, Yol. I, was 
issued in 1893 ; the Club contains 85 members and the Book 
932 recorded animals. 




o 



CHAPTER XYI. 

HORSE BREEDING — PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 
Breeding a scientific study — Nature's great law — Breed for a purpose — 
Selection of the breed — Choice of the sire — Breed best mares only 
— Intelligence, beauty, and disposition essentials. 

THE breeding of horses is a scientific study as practical in 
its demands as is the science of chemistry or materia 
tnedica, or surgery ; aye, and more ; so we must learn all the 
minutim of the business. 

The science of horse breeding has developed special horses 
for special work, and no one breed or class will fill the market 
demand for draft horses, coachers, gentlemen's drivers, saddlers, 
and racers or sporting horses. 

History gives all classes and breeds of horses one common 
origin (see " The Horse," Chapter I), and the horse, as well as 
all our domestic animals, has been, to a great degree, molded 
and fashioned by the hand of man. 

It is written that God made man a little lower than the 
angels, and, by general assent, the horse is voted next highest 
in the scale of created beings. The passage in the Decalogue 
which declares that the iniquities of the parents are visited 
upon the children unto the third and fourth generations, is at- 
tended with a new and startling significance since it has become 
generally understood that this declaration is a concise state- 
ment of the operations of a physical law applicable alike to man 
and beast. 

The general principles that "like produces like" is true 
throughout all animal and vegetable life. Everything brings 
forth after its kind. 

We sow pure seed and expect the produce to be of the same 
kind. Rye will not produce wheat, nor oats barley ; " we 
10 ( 145 ) 



146 HORSE BREEDING. 

cannot expect to gather grapes from thorns, nor figs from 
thistles." 

This rule is just as true in animal life as applied to horse- 
breeding, inasmuch as no man would think of breeding to a 
Shetland pony with the expectation of producing a draft horse, 
nor to the Clydesdale with the expectation of producing a 
winner on the race course. 

Nature's great law is to transmit the general character of 
the parents to the offspring, and in proportion as the breed is 
firmly established and uniform in its characteristics, so will the 
produce be uniform in its character. This great rule of nature 
is applicable not only to horses, but it is an universal rule ap- 
plicable alike to all animals. 

One of the first steps in horse breeding is for the breeder to 
fully decide in his own mind what sort of a horse he wishes to 
produce. 

BREED FOR A PURPOSE. 

Horses of different breeds for different purposes are in de- 
mand, and the breeder should know from the start what he 
desires to breed for and how to treat them. 

Eaising horses, like raising grain or any other farm crop, 
should be varied. If every farmer raised wheat to the exclu- 
sion of all other grains, we should very soon find the market 
overstocked and the business a failure ; so of other crops and 
stock, and of the different kinds of horses. If all breeders should 
turn their attention to the breeding of race-horses for a few 
years, the price of a draft horse would soon be double that of a 
racer ; and so of other breeds. 

As to the most desirable breed of horses, of all the breeds 
presented in this book, for the beginner to engage in breeding, 
I have nothing further to" say than this : 

Select your own breed from the many here given, first con- 
sulting your own taste and ability ; but I will say right here 
that to breed the blood horse, whether runner or trotter, requires 
a much greater intelligence and skill than to breed the draft or 
general purpose horse ; and unless a man has the peculiar skill 



PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING. 147 

and adaptation for the business of raising race-horses, I would 
most earnestly advise him to stick to the more common breeds. 
But when a breeder has the taste and ability for blood-horse 
breeding, this style of breeding will afford him the most enjoy- 
ment, for the breeding of fine and blooded horses as a business 
has a tendency to elevate one much higher than the breeding 
of any other class of horses, or sheep, or cattle, or swine, etc. 

In breeding horses, as well as all other kinds of animals, do 
not expect to get better animals than you breed from, for if 
you do you will very likely be disappointed. 

It has been said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty ; 
it may be said that eternal vigilance is the price of success in 
the horse-breeding business. 

Horse breeding of all kinds at this day and age of the world 
does not mean any half-way business ; it is presumed that every 
one who engages in the breeding business at all is in it for a 
profit, and he should not expect a profit on producing some- 
thing that other people do not want. 

In horse raising, as in any other kinds of business, there are 
certain rules that must be observed to make it profitable, the 
first of which is to produce an article that is in demand and 
that will command a fair price. 

Whatever the breed decided upon by beginners, I would 
earnestly advise breeding horses for beauty, brains, and busi- 
ness. Beauty always attracts customers who pay the highest 
prices ; brains, or good horse sense, is an important point for 
the breeder's own use, and the business horse has a sphere of 
usefulness unknown by the horse of speed alone, minus the 
other qualities. 

Breed on the principle that a colt will not be better than its 
parents, although if you mate rightly there are many chances 
that he may be. Do not depend upon luck, but go at the busi- 
ness in a rational and well-defined way, and then good fortune 
should crown your efforts. 

E^ever under any circumstances breed any mare to a miserable, 
ill-built, mongrel brute, the results of which would be fit only 



148 HORSE BREEDING. 

for a " swap horse." The one great lesson for all breeders to 
learn is to begin at the top, and then breed up. Life is too 
short to begin at the bottom and breed up. 

If you begin at the top, every generation that is added to 
your stock is a step in advance ; but if you commence at the 
other end you have to reach the standard of excellence as it 
now exists, and by the time you have reached what is now re- 
corded as the standard, this same standard has, in the mean- 
time, advanced also, and you are as far away from the goal for 
which you are striving as when you began. 

To become a successful breeder a man must be able to know 
a horse. This does not simply mean that he must be able to 
tell a horse from a cow, or a draft horse from a thoroughbred, 
but that he must be able to tell at once the degree of perfection 
at all points that the animal has attained. He must know how 
to select and couple his breeding stock of whatever breed or 
class he decides upon ; how to handle his brood mares — how to 
feed them and how to manage them — especially during foal- 
ing time. 

Whatever breed of horses you may decide to breed let me 
entreat you to breed handsome horses of their class ; let them 
be trotters, roadsters, or draft. You will always find a hand- 
some colt or horse the first one to be sold, all other things be- 
ing equal, and for the best price ; and surely, it costs no more 
to raise a handsome, stylish, and attractive horse than it does 
to raise an ugly or gawky one that nobody wants at any price 
for any purpose. 

Avoid breeding to any hereditary unsoundness, liable to be 
transmitted. An unsound horse is a perpetual source of 
annoyance to any owner and never a source of profit to the 
breeder. There is no greater trouble in breeding ■ what you 
want m horses than in any other stock, providing you get the 
type established, and then, by judicious in-breeding, retain it. 

And right here I wish to remark that there is no part of 
the business that requires more careful studying than this in- 
breeding. Ignorantly or carelessly conducted, it is the cause of 



PRINCIPLES OP BREEDING. 149 

certain failure ; on the other hand, when judiciously practiced, 
the results will usually be satisfactory. 

When a blood is kept pure to its own type, in its own 
family, possessed of the same blood instinct in both male and 
female, then like begets like, and not until then. As an illus- 
tration of this great truth I refer my readers to the buffalo, 
the elk, and the deer of our country in their primitive states. 
I might also mention the wild turkey, the wild goose, and birds 
and wild fowls of different classes, which have undoubtedly 
bred in and in from time immemorial, and whose offspring 
presents an uniform type and a degree of hardiness rarely at- 
tainable by any of our domestic animals or birds. 

Breed only your best mares, for it is now conceded by the 
most talented students of breedmg that the dam transmits 
sixty per cent, of her characteristics to her foal. 

Intelligence and beauty are important market values for a 
horse for our own use or to sell. If you have a crazy, ill-look- 
ing mare I would not advise using her for breeding purposes ; 
doing so would but propagate her uselessness and ugliness. 
Disposition should bear great weight in the selection of found- 
ation stock in forming a stud of whatever breed. 

Upwards of twenty years ago when a resident of the State 
of Connecticut and President of the Woodstock Farmers' Club, 
and knowing a man in the adjoining State of Massachusetts 
who had achieved success far above his neighbors in stock rais- 
ing and farming, I invited him to cross the dividing line (of 
States) and tell the members of our club something of his 
management. He, being flattered by the invitation, readily 
assented and gave us much information in a few words. 

" Gentlemen," said Deacon Dwight, '' if I have been success- 
ful above my neighbors I must attribute such success to strict 
attention to business and constant hard work, lor I work hard 
all summer getting ready for winter and ail winter getting 
ready for summer." 

I introduce this incident in my life's history, not as being 
particularly connected with the science of horse-breedmg, but 



150 HORSE BREEDING. 

yet as being closely connected with its ultimate success, inas- 
much, as no business as a rule — horse-breeding included — can 
be made a crowning success without strict attention to business 
and constant hard work. 

One great reason why many breeders are unsuccessful in 
the horse business is the fact of their not conforming to the 
demands of the market ; if tliey happen to get started wrong 
— which is a very easy matter — instead of closing out and 
starting again, they keep on trying to convince themselves, and 
everybody else, that they are right. This kind of business 
rarely, if ever, leads to success. If one starts wrong the 
cheapest way to get out is to sell out and begin anew. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 

Importance of starting right — Selecting the stallion — Influence of dam of the 
stallion on his progeny — Best age of service stallion — Selecting the 
brood mare — Influence of the dam — Unsound mares as breeders. 

THE selection of breeding stock as the foundation on which 
to build up a stud of horses, whatever the breed may be, 
is not only the first step to be taken in this great enterprise, but 
should be regarded as one of the most important of all ; for un- 
less we start right we cannot expect to meet with full success 
in this business, and may be compelled, later on, to close out 
our whole breeding harem and begin anew. We cannot afford 
to do this, as life is too short to be wasted in follies of this kind, 
to say nothing of the disappointments and expense attending 
the same. 

As previously stated, I would first advise the beginner in 
the horse-breeding enterprise to weigh well the matter of 
selecting the breed most desirable for him to engage in breed- 
ing. After this is done let him next determine to be an im- 
prover of the breed selected, going into the business with the 
full determination of leaving that particular breed in a somewhat 
improved condition from that in which he found it. Such 
breeders are an ornament to their profession, and like him who 
" makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before," 
a benefactor to his country. 

E'ever use a poor stallion of whatever breed ; if you desire 
good colts see that both the dam and sire are as good as you 
wish the colt to be. 

SELECTING THE STALLION. 

It should ever be borne in mind that the stallion approxi- 
mates to the one-half of the breeding stud composed of one 

(151) 



153 SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 

mare or fifty, as every foal carries one-half of the blood of his 
sire. Consequently, in order to make horse-breeding, of what- 
ever variety, a success, much depends on the selection of the 
stallion. It should be remembered that the stallion carries one- 
half of the blood of his dam ; some say more ; some breeders 
assert that the foal carries 60 per cent, of the blood and 
characteristics of his dam, but of this I will treat later on. 
Admitting that your stallion carries 50 per cent, of the blood 
of his dam, one of the first things to be looked after is to what 
his dam was as to breeding and individual merits, and in 
nowise overlooking her disposition. 

Some of our most successful trotting sires are out of dams 
whose breeding cannot be traced, but in all such cases they are 
out of mares of great individual merit, and possessed of great 
speed and endurance. 

Noticeably among such sires may be mentioned Alexander's 
Abdallah, claimed to be the best son of Hambletonian, and the 
sire of one of the greatest campaigners of the world. Goldsmith 
Maid, 2.14, etc. Also another noted son of Hambletonian, the 
great George Wilkes, with sixty-eight trotters and six pacers in 
the list, out of that very gamy and enduring mare, Dolly 
Spanker, whose pedigree could never be satisfactorily estab- 
lished. 

The greatest campaigning trotting stallion of the world, 
Ethan Allen, by Black Hawk, and whose dam, although un- 
doubtedly a Morgan, has not been clearly established. Wood's 
Hambletonian, by Alexander's Abdallah, the sire of twenty 
trotters, was out of a good mare said to be a Morgan, but of 
whose breeding no one knows. 

Hambletonian Mambrino, 2.21i, with five in the list, whose 
dam was Topsy, an untraced mare, is another example. Magna 
Charta, the sire of five trotters in the list and the dams of 
twenty trotters and one pacer whose dam was an Indiana 
mare, pedigree untraced, is another good one. Smuggler, by 
Blanco, and who once held the stallion trotting record of the 
world, 2.15i, and who sired eight trotters and one pacer, was 



SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 153 

out of a mare whose pedigree could never be traced. The 
Moor, sire of Beautiful Bells and five others in the list, and of 
the great Sultan with twenty-five in the list, was out of the 
gamy trotting mare, Belle of Wabash, whose pedigree is also 
un traced. 

Warwick Boy, sire of eleven trotters and one pacer, and out 
of the.McWorther mare, dam of Kelsey, 2.23i, but whose pedi- 
gree is still untraced, affords another instance. Western Fear- 
naught, whose dam was not traced, is another, although he 
sired five in the list from 2.18 to 2.29^; also the dams of 
thirty-two in the list. 

Again, we have the great and once popular sire, Edward 
Everett, the sire of fourteen trotters, nine sires with twenty- 
nine trotters and four pacers, and the sire of ten dams of twelve 
trotters ; his dam was a " said to be," etc., but undoubtedly a 
good one. 

Clear Grit, the great Canadian sire of trotters, with seven in 
the list, and who was sired by the Thoroughbred imported 
Lapidist, and whose dam was a trotting mare with an untraced 
pedigree, is the last I will mention in this connection. 

I give these instances of merit against established pedigree 
for the purpose of more clearly illustrating my views regarding 
the great importance of selecting stallions for breeding pur- 
poses out of good, individual mares, whether they are standard 
bred according to any set of rules of any breeding or registry 
association or not. 

But I do not wish to be misunderstood in this matter, for I 
do not advise the discarding of pedigrees, for, as previously 
stated, I like good pedigrees as well as any breeder can, and 
would recommend breeding from both stallions and mares with 
the best established pedigrees to be obtained, but not obtained 
to the sacrifice of the animal sought. 

By all means let the stallion selected as the nucleus of your 
stud, of whatever breed you desire to engage in raising, be out 
of one of the very best mares of that breed both as to pedigree 
and individual merit. My experience of over forty years as a 



154 SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 

breeder clearly demonstrates to me that the get of any sire, 
whether equine or bovine, has a tendency to generally resemble 
the characteristics of the dam of that sire more than that of 
any other ancestor back of its own parents, and in many cases 
ignoring all others. 

Consequently, in breeding dairy cows of different classes, I 
have always endeavored to obtain a bull to head my herd from 
the best milking or butter cow to be obtained, and generally, 
with the best results. 

And now, after having been thoroughly convinced that your 
stallion under consideration has a dam of the right stamp, then 
the next consideration is to follow up the family of this sire ; 
first taking for granted, of course, that the animal under con- 
sideration is individually just what suits you and a rare speci- 
men of the breed he represents. 

Of whatever breed he represents he should be a perfect 
specimen with no defalcation as to natural causes. He should 
have good, bright, clear, and pleasant eyes, well set in a good- 
shaped, fine-muzzled, and broad forehead, with fine, tapering 
ears ; the best of round, sound feet — not flat — connected to 
the body by flat, sinewy legs, not too large in proportion to the 
body of whatever breed. The fore legs should be well set 
under the body, and not be stuck on the outside like the legs of 
a bench. He should be short on the back, long on the belly, 
well coupled, and ribbed up closely, a full, deep chest, a power- 
ful forearm, and well muscled. He should be easy and trappy 
in his movements, and of a color corresponding to the breed to 
which he belongs. As to disposition he should be of the very 
best, level-headed, kind, and pleasant under any and all circum- 
stances ; and to general appearance, beauty, form, color, and 
coat, he should be of a type to attract attention anywhere. 

As to the age of a stallion to which to breed a mare, I say 
any age from two years up to any age he can with any degree 
of certainty sire a foal. 

Eysdyk's Hambletonian sired Alexander's Abdallah when 
two years old. Hambletonian also sired twenty-four foals 



SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 155 

when, twenty-five years old. The reproductive powers of the 
stallion depend more on condition than age. There has been 
much speculation as to tlie comparative value of foals got by 
certain stallions at different periods of life. 

Boston was sired by Timoleon when eighteen years old, 
who, in turn, sired the great Lexington at the age of sixteen 
years. 

Yolunteer sired St. Julian when fourteen years old. Im- 
ported Diomed sired the great Sir Archy (called the Godolphin 
Arabian of America) at the advanced age of twenty-seven 
years. The pair of the greatest combined ages at coupling 
were George Wilkes 26, Patsy 17 = 43, and the produce was 
Brignoli "Wilkes, 2.14|, while the next oldest were Abdallah 25, 
Kent mare 15 = 40, and the result was the greatest horse of all, 
Rysdyk's Hambletonian. The next oldest pair Avere Aberdeen 
22, Kentucky Central IT = 39, and the produce was Kentucky 
Union, 2.11f , the best two-year-old of her year. On the other 
hand, we find three couplings in which the combined ages of 
sire and dam were six years each that produced respectively. 
Jack, 2.11^, Elfrida, 2.13^, and Merman, 2.14i. As an ex- 
ample of an old sire and young mare, we find that Hambletonian, 
twenty-five years, was coupled with Camptown, three years, 
and produced the great sire Egbert. 

SELECTING THE BROOD MAEE. 

In selecting the brood mare it should ever be borne in mind 
that the foal carries at least fifty per cent, of the blood of the 
dam, and yet there is a great difference in mares as breeders, 
as some breed after the horse while others breed after them- 
selves ; and, again, others divide their mfluence with the sire in 
nearly equal proportions. 

The first of this class, those who breed almost directly after 
the horse, are, in breeding parlance, termed passive breeders; 
those breeding after themselves are positive breeders, and 
those who divide their influence with the sire are termed inter- 
mediate breeders. 



156 SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 

In selecting an untried mare as a brood mare, it is almost 
impossible to determine what her influence on her offspring 
may be. Yet, if she be a mare of strong will-power and nat- 
urally nervous, high strung and trappy, the chances are she 
will make a positive breeder; i. e., breeding largely after her- 
self. On the other hand if she appears mild, extra clever, and 
of a passive disposition, the chances are that she may become 
a passive breeder, following largely after the sire. What I 
term a positive brood mare will breed after herself whatever 
the sire may be, and if a good one should be highly prized as 
the dam of matched teams ; while what I term a passive brood 
mare should be bred only to the very best stallions in the 
country, as their produce will resemble the sire in most re- 
pects. Of course we must take into consideration that with 
animals as with the human family " blood will tell." What is 
^' bred in the bone " will be transmitted. 

The influence of the dam in the transmission of hereditary, 
qualities is generally very much underestimated, and by some 
breeders almost entirely ignored ; yet, when we consider how 
intimately the foal is connected with the dam, not only pre- 
vious to its birth but long afterwards, that from the very begin- 
ning of life it is fed by the mother's blood and affected by her 
moods, before it has seen the light she has had the> time and 
power to stamp it with her vices or her virtues, impart to it 
her weakness or her strength — in consideration of these facts 
some of the most careful of our breeders are of the opinion 
that the dam is justly entitled to fully sixty per cent, of her 
influence on the foal. 

In selecting the brood mare great attention should be paid 
to the shape and quality of her feet and legs, always bearing 
in mind the old but true adage: "Ko foot, no horse." The 
race-horse that is always troubled with "a leg" is a nuisance. 
Avoid curby hocks, spavins, or hock joints predisposed by 
nature to spavins, either bog or bone. Her leg should be 
rather flat, firm, hard, and smooth, showing an entire absence 
•of adipose tissue ; rather large but well-defined joints entirely 



SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 157 

smooth, and free from all bunch or blemish ; firm but elastic 
cords ; short in the pastern ; short from knee and hock to pas- 
tern joint. 

The legs should stand squarely and firmly under the animal, 
the toe turning neither in nor out. She should be of full nor- 
mal size for the breed represented, neither over nor under size ; 
should be possessed of a good head with broad forehead, wide 
between the eyes and ears ; ears should be fine pointed and 
well set. She should have a full, bright, clear but pleasant 
eye, with not an over-abundance of Avhite about the lid, — but 
better white than red ; — should have a good, well-set neck, car- 
rying her head in good style ; should be short on the back, long 
on the belly, with a deep, full chest ; well and closely ribbed 
up, a long hip and possessed of a superabundance of muscle of 
the flanks. 

She should be possessed of a good, clean, trappy gait, — 
whether intended as a producer of speed or draft; — should 
have a fine, glossy coat and of a fashionable color for the breed 
to which she belongs. 

Disposition is also one of the most important items to be 
considered in the selection of the brood mare ; for w^hile we 
desire plenty of spirit and high-life, w^e despise a low, base- 
spirited and treacherous mare to breed from. N^ever select a 
vicious mare from which to breed any class of horses. 

There has been much said and written against using un- 
sound mares as brood stock, and while I fully agree with such 
champions for sound stock for breeding purposes, I cannot con- 
scientiously advise the discarding of good mares on account of 
accidental unsoundness; the proofs to the contrary being too 
strong when taking into consideration the following facts : The 
dam of Sherman Morgan, the ISTarragansett pacing mare for- 
merly ridden by John Brown of Providence, R. I., and after- 
wards taken to Vermont by James Sherman and bred to Justin 
Morgan, had a spavin. The fleet, high-spirited gray mare,, 
dam of old Ethan Allen, also had a spavin. The Charles Kent 
mare, dam of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, was driven in the city 



158 SELECTING BREEDING STOCK. 

of ^ew York until unfit for use by lameness. Katy Darling, 
the great road mare of ITew York city and the dam of Alex- 
ander's Abdallah, was dead lame at the time of being bred to 
Hambletonian, and a cripple for life by getting one of her hind 
feet caught in the frog of a railroad track. Clara, the dam of 
Dexter, 2.1Ti, had a hip knocked down and was otherwise 
blemished. 

I could enumerate many other instances where good, well- 
bred and gamy mares, meeting with accidents that crippled 
them for life, were put to breeding with good results ; but I 
have already given you enough examples, I think, to convince 
you of the feasibility of utilizing the best mares for breedmg 
purposes, though they may have been so unfortunate as to get 
crippled. 



CHAPTEE XYIII. 

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. 

Box Stall — Paddock — Kind treatment — Undue familiarity — Feed — Exer- 
cise — Pampering — Grassing — Winter care — Carrots as food — 
Worms — Controlling. 

TWO things are absolutely necessary on the start, viz., a 
box stall and a paddock. 

The box stall should not be less than 12 x 14 feet for any 
stallion, and may be 14 x 14, or 15 x 15, or 16 x 16 feet, with one 
door, four feet wide and eight feet high, made double and 
strong, thoroughly riveted, and hung on three good hinges. 
Have one window that will give plenty of light without 
draught. 

Wainscot the entire inside of the stall, except at the door, 
with one and one-half or two-inch plank ; the wainscoting to be 
four or five feet high from the floor. 

The feed box should be broad, so that the food may be 
spread out thinly over the bottom to prevent the stallion from 
eating his grain too hastily. 

Always close the door on entering or leaving the stall, and 
always see that the door is properly fastened. 

The paddock should not be too large — 50x100 or 40x60 
feet may be a good size. The fence should be seven feet high, 
at least, and may be higher. It should be made of boards 
reaching to the ground to prevent his feet slipping under it, and 
should be nailed from within against stringers and posts that 
are without, for a horse will sometimes climb upon the stringers 
to look over the fence and remain there long enough to injure 
his tendons. 

Never relax your watchfulness when about a stallion ; treat 
him with the utmost kindness and consideration — teach him to 

(159) 



160 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. 

have the utmost confidence in you. Never play witli a stallion 
and allow him to become too familiar, as familiarity may breed 
contempt and you may lose part of your influence over him. 

One great mistake by inexperienced persons, and by others 
who should know better, is the endeavor to have the stallion in 
fine show condition," which, of course, means fat, and are con- 
stantly dosing them with mixtures. As a rule of nature, a 
healthy horse or man needs no medicine. 

Let your stallion be well and regularly fed with healthy 
and nutritious food, with plenty of daily exercise to keep his 
muscles firm and hardy, and let him be well groomed so that 
his coat may present a fine appearance. The skin should be 
kept thoroughly clean by an occasional washing and frequent 
rubbing and brushing-. 

The mane and tail should also be kept clean. If very dirty 
soap may be freely used in the cleaning process ; and when this 
is faithfully attended to there will be but little danger of hav- 
ing a fine tail or mane ruined by rubbing. 

His food should be clean and free from dust or mold, and 
the stall should be kept clean, well lighted, and perfectly 
ventilated. 

Let the stallion have the greatest amount of outdoor life and 
exercise consistent with good judgment. 

A stallion kept in a band-box may be beautiful to look 
upon, his soft, silky coat may shine like velvet, but it should be 
borne in mind that his value as a sire does not depend upon 
looks alone, but power of transmission. 

There are far too many pampered stallions, and, as a result, 
they are inferior stock horses and very uncertam foal getters. 
Give the horse attention and good care, and, with that, plenty 
of steady work, that he may be full of energy and prove his 
worth in the stud. 

To the owner of a brood mare it means much whether a 
stallion is in good condition or not. The promise of free return 
next year does not make good the loss. 

There is no animal that does not enjoy its freedom, so, 



CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. IGl 

when it can be allowed, liberty should be granted to the 
stallion. 

For summer food, feed good, clean oats, clean hay, plenty 
of green grass, and no drugs, eggs, or condiments, as a rule. 

Grassing out with halter, attended by the groom, early in 
the morning while the dew is on the grass, is of great benefit 
to any stallion, and especially toward their feet. 

Unless he has a good paddock to run in he should be driven 
every day the weather is good during the mare season. I 
rather prefer the paddock for high-spirited horses, and the driv- 
ing for more sluggish ones. 

A state of nature, as neaV as it can be attained, is attended 
with the best results of the procreative powers. After the 
season closes the condition of the stallion for the next season's 
business will greatly depend upon the manner in which he is 
kept from the close of the present to the commencement of the 
next. 

In most cases in this climate from October 1st to the first of 
March the stallion is not called upon for stud duties, and 
usually but little is done between July and April. 

He consequently has a long period of rest and recuperation 
from the drain upon the functions of the sexual organs which 
service in the stud has required, but it should not be a season 
of pampered and over-fed indolence, as is often the case. 

When convenient to do so the very best treatment is to use 
him at light work of some kind, and work him regularly but 
moderately up to February or March. Feed enough grain to 
keep him strong and healthy, but not fat. 

WINTER CARE. 

It is always best to give the stallion light work during the 
fall and winter, but in many cases this is not convenient. The 
next best thing is to let him have daily exercise in an open 
paddock every day that the weather will permit, if even but 
for a short time each day. 
11 



162 CARE ANDMANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. 

Yery little grain should be fed during the winter, and that 
little should consist of bran, oats, and other light food. 

Carrots are excellent to be fed during the winter months, 
with or without grain. Good, clean, oat straw is good fed with 
carrots and a few oats. He is better off in a warm stable with- 
out a blanket, except, perhaps, in the very coldest weather. 

The custom of keeping a stallion tied in a stall with a feed 
box full of grain is not only unprofitable, but inhuman. 

Cornstalks, grass, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and apples are 
all admissible as a change, fed in small quantities for the pur- 
pose of pleasing the appetite and loosening the bowels. Keep 
mineral salt constantly by him ; dry wood ashes are also almost 
indispensable. 

Keep clear of worms by all means. Watch the condition 
of the bowels ; attend to the teeth, and give especial attention 
to the feet. 

Average per cent, of mares got in foal by stallions is 67 ; 
average per cent, of living foals dropped is 62. 

THE NUMBER OF MARES A STALLION MAY SERVE. 

It is generally considered as a two-year-old the service 
should be light, if any. 

A three-year-old may be limited to fifteen or twenty 
services, and a four-year-old should not go beyond thirty. 

There can be no question that the use of the procreative 
powers of the unmatured horse tends to retard his physical 
development. 

CONTROLLING THE STALLION WHEN IN USE. 

While the temper and disposition of stallions are largely 
matters of inheritance, yet much depends on the breaking and 
management. It is much easier to spoil a horse than to cure 
him of bad habits after they have once been allowed to form. 

Headstrong stallions should never be led out except by a 
bridle that will enable the groom to have perfect control over 
him. 



CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. 163 

GROOMING. 

Use an old, dull currycomb, a root or broom brush, and a 
bristle brush, followed by flannel cloth ; these are all the tools 
necessary in cleaning and polishing his coat, and they should be 
used in the order named, and used every day. 

While the stallion should not be pampered and over-fed, he 
should be kept as clean as possible, as cleanliness in animals is 
of importance, even as it is in man, and we all are taught in the 
latter case, " cleanliness is next to godliness." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 

Getting doubtful mares in foal — Eternal vigilance — The productive period 
— Period of gestation — Marking the foal — Use the brood mares — 
Stabling pregnant mares — Wheat middlings — Enlargement of abdo- 
men — Attention at foaling time — Jealous mothers. 

THE first thing to be done in tlie management of ttie brood 
mare is to get her in foal, otherwise she cannot properly 
be called a brood mare. More money is probably lost on stock 
farms through carelessness and the improper handling of mares 
in the breeding season than in any other part of the horse 
breeding business. 

GETTING DOUBTFUL MAKES IN FOAL. 

Mares that are not regular breeders should have a run at 
grass for a few weeks without grain and then taken up and 
given grain and put to light w^ork until coming in season, and 
then bred. Mares bred and then turned to grass, or mares 
running to grass, are not near as likely to get in foal as are 
those managed in this way. 

A point upon which there is a great diversity of opinion is 
when and how often a mare should be tried after being served 
by the horse. A mare will almost invariably be "in heat" on 
the seventh day after foaling if she is healthy and has received 
no injury from foaling, and in most cases it is desirable to have 
her served at that time if it is thought best to breed her that 
season. After service she may be tried again in two weeks. 
There is no regular tinie for a mare to come in heat — after the 
ninth day from foaling — nor any regular time for her to stay 
in heat. 

In this business, as in most others, " eternal vigilance is the 

price of success." Mares sometimes, after being bred, refuse 

(164) 



CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 165 

the horse for two months or more when tried regularly and 
then come in season. 

My plan is to begin early in the season, say in March, and 
then try them to the horse regularly every two weeks during 
the season. 

As to the productive period of mares the best age is said to 
be from five to fifteen years. Breeding fillies at two years of 
age often seriously interferes with their symmetrical develop- 
ment. Three years is perhaps young enough to breed a mare 
and from then on in some cases to thirty years, or as long as 
she continues to produce and raise good foals. 

The period of gestation in mares is variable. In my own 
experience of upwards of thirty years, as a breeder, the average 
time that mares have carried their foals has been eleven months 
and nine days, and has ranged from ten months and twenty 
days to twelve months and twenty-three days. Difference in 
breed makes no difference in time. It has been reported that 
mares have carried their foals upwards of thirteen months. 
A case of this kind w^as once reported of a mare in Jessa- 
mine county, Ky., who carried a foal thirteen months and 
twenty-eight days. 

MAKES MARKING THEIR FOALS. 

Mares worked with other horses frequently color or mark 
their foals after their mates ; also colts are often marked from 
fright, sympathy, and curiosity, and breeding for color with a 
view of forming a fixed type or in breeding matched horses, 
the breeder cannot be too careful on this point. 

I once had a pair of Vermont Black Hawk mares, both as 
black as jet. I bred them to a brown Morgan stallion, without 
any white, in 1862, and at the time I bred one of these mares a 
sorrel mare w^ith a white stripe in her face was brought to my 
stallion, and I noticed at the time that my mare took quite a 
good deal of interest in this outside mare, but thought nothing 
of it until foaling time for my mares, w^hen, instead of having 
a matched pair as I had reason to expect, one of my mares 



166 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 

dropped a black colt and the other a • sorrel filly with white 
markings, exactly like this neighbor's mare. 

Another case of my own was in 1867, when I bred a bay 
mare to a bay Morgan stallion without any white markings, 
and this mare got away from a boy and ran to one of my 
neighbors, and when I found her there a short time afterwards 
she was with and seemed interested in a black mare with a 
white face; and the next year when she foaled her colt was 
black and marked precisely like my neighbor's mare. 

One of the most wonderful instances of this kind ever known 
was of a colt foaled in the neighborhood of Spokane Falls, 
Washington, bearing m his left eye a perfect picture of the 
waterfall of Spokane Falls. 

Moderate work is not only harmless but beneficial to mares 
in foal, provided they are nor over-loaded or over-driven. It 
is much better than keeping them tied up in a stall or turned 
loose to run at large in yards or fields with other horses. In 
the former case they suffer for want of exercise and in the 
latter case they are exposed to numerous accidents. 

There is force in the suggestion that a good farmer can raise 
a colt cheaper than can the professional breeder, as he can use 
the mares in his farm work. Undoubtedly there is some 
danger of injury to mares in foal, or to the foals from working 
the mares, but with careful management this danger is slight. 

I once heard a successful farmer say that a pair of draft 
mares owned by him annually paid the wages of the man .who 
worked them, and that they lost only about ten days at foaling 
time. 

My practice has ever been to make reasonable use of mares 
while in foal and while they are suckling their foals and have 
seen no injury to either from the practice. 

For work on the farm or road I decidedly prefer to have 
the foals kept separately from the mares while the latter are at 
work. Great care should be taken that the colt should not be 
allowed to suck while the mare is too hot. 

Another advantage possessed by the farmer over the large 



CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 167 

breeder is that he can have full use of such mares as fail to get 
in foal, and there are few breeders so fortunate as to have none 
of this class. 

Pregnant mares should be stabled with due regard to 
security against annoyance, compression, or injury by other 
horses, and especially guarded against the accident of getting 
cast in their stalls. 

Don't keep breeding animals fat, but simply in good order ; 
a good healthy condition at all times is necessary for the 
greatest success in breeding. It is a good plan to feed the 
brood mares a few quarts daily of wheat middlings — the whole 
grain coarse ground or cracked -would do as well — for three 
months before foaling. There is something about the gluten 
in wheat that gives the foal bone and strength, and it is less 
liable to come weak or crooked. Under the old process of 
grinding wheat, bran and middlings had plenty of the glutten 
but now it goes mostly into the flour, and the bran and 
middlings are of less account. 

The mare does not require to be fat or grained highly be^ 
fore foaling or immediately after. It is always best to allow 
the mare to run to grass if it is large enough for a bite, before 
foaling, as it will help to make milk and will put the system in 
a healthy condition to meet the demands of nature. Every 
breeder should recognize the importance of exercise for the 
brood mare, either in the paddock, on the road, or in the field ; 
thus keeping them strong and healthy and insuring a much 
more hardy foal than when they are allowed to stand quietly 
in the stall without needful exercise. 

It often happens that there is considerable enlargement of 
the lower surface of the abdomen and chest during the latter 
part of the period of pregnancy. The swelling will sometimes 
extend from the udder to the fore-legs and become an inch or 
more in thickness. This need not, however, alarm the young 
breeder, as an hour's walk every day will generally cause most 
of the swelling to disappear. 

When the time of foaling approaches, the mare should be 



168 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 

turned loose in a large box-stall or, in mild weather, in a pad- 
dock or lot. Everything should be removed from the stable 
that w^ould in any wsiy be likely to hinder the colt from get- 
ting on his feet. 

A few hours before foaling milk will generally be discov- 
ered oozing from the teats or the plugs in the orifice of the teats 
will be pressed down so as to be plainly seen. When this is 
observed the foal will make its appearance within twenty-four 
hours, and someone should be at hand and keep close watch of 
the mare until it is dropped. 

Some mares may raise colts for years, running at will with 
no one near at foaling time, but this is not good management, 
for it sometimes happens that the mare needs assistance in the 
delivery of the foal, and sometimes the foal has not sufficient 
strength to break the blanket in which it is enveloped, in which 
case, unless someone is ready to render assistance the young 
animal will speedily smother to death. Again it happens some- 
times that mares, especially with their first foals, will not own 
their offspring, but will rush upon them violently and either 
stamp or kick them to death if someone is not near to divert 
their attention. 

After removing the blanket the newly-dropped foal should 
be rubbed dry gently with soft, woolen cloths, or clean, fresh 
straw. If strong and healthy the new-comer will soon make 
an attempt to get on his feet. A little assistance from an at- 
tendant will save the foal many a bump and possibly its life. 
When the colt begins to manifest symptoms of hunger the 
man in charge, who, by the way, should be one with whom the 
mare is acquainted, should assist the youngster in taking his 
first meal. It is often a difficult task and wiU require great 
patience on the part of the groom to get the teat into the 
mouth of the foal, but when that is accomplished and the 
youngster gets his first swallow of milk the worst of the job 
is over. 

If the dam is of a nervous temperament she will sometimes 
object to being touched by the foal ; if she is inclined to be 



CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 169 

cross it will be best to pick up bar near fore foot, bending it 
backwards until it rests against the forearm, and fasten it there 
by means of a broad, soft strap ; a common pole-strap will an- 
answer the purpose admirably, but if this kind of a strap is 
not handy, then a hold-back from a single harness may be 
made to answer. With her head well elevated and fastened 
there, and one fore-foot strapped up as above described there 
is but little danger from injury by kicking. 

Close watch should be kept to see that there is an evacua- 
tion of the bowels. A great many foals are lost every year 
owing to a lack of attention to this very important matter. 
Give an injection of half a pint of warm soap suds and give a 
physic of castor oil, if necessary ; but usually the injection will 
be sufficient. 

It is always well to have on hand at such times, and to give 
the mare a wheat bran mash mixed with warm water or a few 
quarts of warm oat-meal gruel. Give no cold water to drink 
for two days after foaling if in cool or cold weather, but take 
the chill off by adding a little hot water or by the insertion of 
a hot iron into a pail of water. 

Care should also be used in feeding grain to the dam direct- 
ly after foaling, but in a few days she may be fed liberally 
— commencing lightly and increasing gradually — with a mix- 
ture of ground oats, cracked wheat, and corn-meal lightened 
up with bran. A good mixture may consist of five bushels of 
oats to one of wheat, one of corn-meal, and two of bran. The 
foals will soon learn to eat with their mothers. 

If the weather is suitable the sooner the foal is turned into 
a warm, dry, any sunny yard the better. The dam should not 
be allowed to stand m a draught of air or remain out in damp 
or chilly weather. 

It is certainly a trouble to look after the foals as they ar- 
rive, but it just as certainly pays to do so ; if they are weak 
they sometimes require a little stimulant of whisky or other 
spirituous liquor. 



170 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 

JEALOUS MOTHEES-. 

Some mares, especially - those of very sensitive organiza- 
tion, are excessively jealous of their offspring and are ojDposed 
to anyone coming near them, and in their zeal to protect are 
liable to injure them. Others are proud of their foals and take 
great delight in exhibiting them to their friends. 

The great race mare, Goldsmith Maid, was one of these 
sensitive mothers, and it is related of her that when her first 
foal was brought forth she w^ould allow no one to come near 
it; but one day Charley (her old attendant — swipe — ^when she 
was in Budd Doble's stable), visited Fashion Farm. Charley 
and the Maid were once firm friends, and to test the endurance 
of that friendship Charley concealed himself near the cranky 
old mare and allowed her to hear his voice. The Maid was in 
the paddock with her colt by her side. On hearing Charley's 
voice she instantly raised her head and gave a whinny of de- 
light, and with that bold, free, sweeping stride that in by-gone 
years had electrified thousands, dashed about the paddock in 
search of her old friend. When Charley appeared she wxnt 
to the fence over which he leaned, showing her joy in every 
action. Not only did she welcome him but invited him to 
fondle her baby. Round about the two she circled, uttering a 
low whinny which expressed an unspeakable joy, and she acted 
the show^woman to a marked degree in the exhibition of her 
young colt. 



CHAPTER XX. 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 

Care of young foals — Getting to nurse — Evacuation of bowels — Injec- 
tions — Feeding the foal — Heated milk — Raising by hand — Wean 
ing — Feeding — Care of weanlings — Handling — Halter breaking — 
Breaking foals — Naming the colt. 

NO part of a breeder's time can be more profitably spent 
than when looking after young foals, and if more diligence 
were used in looking after the mare and foal immediately pre- 
ceding, during, and following the foaling period, much less loss 
would be sustained at this particular time. 

At foaling time the mare should always be attended by a, 
competent person able, if necessary, to assist her in her labors,, 
and to cut and securely tie the navel cord. He should then, it 
necessary, help the mother to dry the foal by rubbing with rub 
cloth or dry straw, and when the foal makes his first effort to 
stand on his feet he should be assisted to do so and not be al- 
lowed — as is often the case — to struggle to accomplish this ob- 
ject until so much exhausted as to be unable to stand up and 
suck after he has succeeded in gaining a standing position ; 
besides, in his struggle to get up, he is liable to receive perma- 
nent injuries. I have known of the loss of an eye and the 
knocking down of a hip and other injuries by this means. 

When the foal is once firmlv on his feet the first thing to do 
is to get him to suck, as he requires nourishment at once, and 
there is nothing equal to the first milk of the mother m this, as 
in the case of all animals, from man down to the lowest order 
of the mammalia class. 

It is frequently the case, and especially so with nervous; 
mares Avith their first foal, that they are unwilling at first to 
allow the colt to suck ; hence the great importance of having a. 

(171) 



172 MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 

competent man at hand to assist the foal in securing his first 
meal. This man should be one with whom the mare is ac- 
quainted, and especially so if she be of a nervous temperament. 

It sometimes happens that the foal has not sufficient 
strength to break the blanket in which he is enveloped; then, 
unless someone is at hand to do so, the young thing will soon 
smother to death. 

"When it is difficult to get the youngster to help itself, try 
to stream some milk from the teat of the dam into its mouth, 
and rub some of the milk on its nose. Continue this until it 
gets a taste of the milk, after which it will be more eager to 
help itself. 

Close watch should be kept to see that there is an evac- 
uation of the bowels. A great many foals are lost each year 
by a lack of attention to this very important matter. If the 
foal exhibits symptoms of distress or much uneasiness, and 
especially if the hind legs are drawn forward and the head 
drooped and the little thing stumbles about the stall or pad- 
dock as if trying to stand on its head, or turn a somersault, 
give it at once an injection of half a pint of blood-warm water 
with just enough soap in it to make it feel slippery to the touch. 
Glycerine may be added to the water in proportion to one part 
glycerine to two parts water. This may be administered by a 
common rubber bulb sj^ringe suitable for family use, or by any 
other stjde of syringe not too large. 

It may be necessary to follow up the injection for a day or 
two. A dose of castor oil may be given if required; care 
should be taken not to give more than is necessary lest purging 
may be induced. 

If the weather is suitable the sooner a foal is turned into a 
dry, sunny yard with its dam the better. There is nothing bet- 
ter than sunshine for all very young animals, especially if it is 
not too hot. It is some trouble to look after the youngsters 
when they are very young, but it pays to do so. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 173 

FEEDING THE FOAL. 

More can be done for the foal in the first six months of its 
life than in any year thereafter, consequently the mare should 
be extra well fed during the time of nursing the colt, and then^ 
if she proves to be a poor milker, as is many times the case, the 
foal should be fed in addition to what it can get from its dam. 
It should be taught to drink sweet skim-milk, which is very 
good for young foals. Do not feed whole, or new milk, as 
cream is unnatural to the foal ; there is none in mare's milk. 
The foals will learn to eat grain with their mothers at an early 
age. 

A brood mare suckling a foal, especially if said foal is ex- 
pected to become valuable, should be fed liberally for milk,, 
both as regards quantity and quality. 

When the colt gets to be three months old he will eat con- 
siderable food in addition to what he can get from the mare,, 
and he should be liberally supplied with oats in a separate feed 
trough where he can help himself and where the mare cannot 
get to them to drive him away. 

SUCKLING COLTS. 

When the mare is used on the farm or road in hot weather 
so as to heat her blood, the foal should not be allowed to suck 
until she has cooled off. Let him fill himself before the mare 
is put in the harness. Colts injured by heated milk seldom re- 
cover from it for a year or two, and sometimes never. 

EAISING BY HAND. 

It sometimes becomes necessary to raise a foal wholly by 
hand, as it is called when required to be raised without the aid 
of its dam. Such was the case of Andrew Jackson, the founder 
of the Clay family ; of George Wilkes, 2.22, the founder of the 
Wilkes family ; of Lilian Wilkes, 2.1Tf (at three years old) ;, 
of Belle Hamlin, 2.12f ; and maii}^ other good ones have been 
raised on cow's milk. 

This is a plan worthy of more extended experiment, and is 



174 MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 

a great help in bringing a foal througK his first winter until 
grass comes ; but grain should also be fed in connection with 
the milk. The milk should be fed slightly warm — about the 
same temperature as it comes from the cow, and termed " milk 
warm " ; this is nature's temperament for all young animals. 

As soon as grass gives out the fall after weaning it is quite 
important that the foal should have a laxative green food. 
Almost all cultivated roots are good, but by far the best are 
carrots. When sweet apples are plentiful and cheap, there is 
nothing better as long as they will last. 

When the foal is weaned he will want a variety in his grain 
ration, but it should consist chiefly of crushed oats or ground 
oats ; some wheat is always good. 

I like a little corn-meal mixed with ground oats and other 
feed for colts wintered in northern climates. Some think that 
corn-meal is too heating for young colts ; so it is, fed liberally 
and alone as a grain ration, but mixed as above, and fed in win- 
ter in our Northern States, it makes a pretty good overcoat to 
help keep the youngster warm, and will keep them free from 
worms better than any other food except linseed oil meal, 
which, by the way, is a most excellent food for any and all 
stock, and especially so for all young animals ; but it should be 
fed sparingly and mixed with other grains. 

In the care of colts scant feeding is to be deplored, and, 
worse yet, the exposure to severe cold and storms ; while over- 
feeding the colt makes him clumsy by having the nerves over- 
loaded with fat. Digestion has too often been impaired by an 
over-loaded stomach ; if this is done in the colt there is little 
hope of having a healthy and long-lived horse. 

In caring for weanlings the first winter, give them plenty 
to eat of clean, good, bright hay, and sweet rowen, if accessible, 
with grain rations suitable to its size and needs. Do not over- 
feed with grain, and give an occasional feed of roots, etc., and 
give plenty to drink. Skim-milk is best, but water will do, and 
give plenty of open air exercise and sunshine, but carefully 
avoid exposure to bleak winds and cold storms. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 175 

All colts should be well halter-broken the first winter of 
their lives if not sooner. Keep a good supply of clean wood- 
ashes and salt near them ; they will eat all they require and no 
more. This keeps them free from Avorms, and otherwise 
healthy. 

WEANING. 

When the colt is taken from the mare it may be tied in an 
adjoining stall with the partition open enough so that they may 
see each other. The mare should be fed lightly on dry feed. 

When the bag becomes so full as to cause uneasiness it may 
be partially milked out — not dry — by the colt for the first 
time, but afterward by hand, as the milk will become some- 
what feverish and not good for the foal. 

After weaning the colt may be fed skim-milk, especially if 
not in good condition at weaning time. 

Good, sound, clean oats is the best food for colts. A little 
oil-meal is also good, as well as carrots, clean hay, and clover, 
if clean and sweet. 

HANDLING. 

Commence to handle the foal from the first and let him 
distinctly understand that while you are his superior in strength 
you are his friend and will not hurt him ; then he will have 
full confidence in you and will ever be easily managed. 

Halter-break foals when only a few days, or at the most, 
a few weeks old. When taken at from two to six weeks old 
they can generally be halter-broken in half an hour, eSpeciallj^ 
if they have been handled from birth. 

BREAKING FOALS. 

It is wonderful how easy it is to accustom a weanling to 
harness, compared with the work if delayed until older. 

NAMING THE COLT. 

IS'ext to naming the baby this is perplexing and difficult. 
Large breeders are many times at a loss to know what to call 
their foals. I prefer giving each animal at the start a good 



176 MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 

and appropriate name. For this purpose I have for many years 
kept a book of well-selected names, both male and female, 
alphabetically arranged and applicable to any animal, and as I 
use a name I so designate it on the book that I may not use the 
same name a second time ; thus I am better able to keep a run 
of my animals than I would otherwise be. "When I can do so 
without repetition I prefer to give a foal a name that will identify 
the family to which he belongs. 

For instance, a filly desirable for a brood mare may have 
the name of some flower, and to all of her descendants may be 
given the names of flowers. 

Or, the family lines may be sufficiently marked by giving 
one mare and her descendants the names of cities, villages, or 
towns ; to others, the names of poets, novelists, or other 
writers, and such names as they have chosen for their works. 






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CHAPTEE XXI. 

BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

Speed attractive feature — Only few trot fast — Breed for beauty, size, style, 
and action — Demand for first-class roadsters in advance of supply — 
Easier to breed beauty than speed — The standard craze — French 
ahead of Americans in systematic breeding — Selecting breeding stock 
— The most modern breed — Color — Hambletonians — Mambrino 
Chief — Blue Bull — Early foals — Good care important — High prices 
for. 

THE general principles of horse-breeding as laid down in 
another chapter are, of course, as applicable to breeding 
the American trotter as to that of other breeds ; nevertheless, 
I feel that the importance of this breed in America requires a 
more special notice than I have given in my general principles 
of horse-breeding. 

In breeding the American trotter, speed is one of the most 
attractive features of the whole business, but it should ever be 
borne in mind that to breed for speed alone would be the 
height of folly. 

Every breeder who has carefullj^ studied the matter knows 
full well that only a small portion of well-bred trotters go fast ; 
consequently, when we select our trotting-bred sires and dams 
for the purpose of producing fast trotters we must bear in mind 
that not more than one out of every twenty will make a fast 
trotter, while the other nineteen will be left on the breeder's 
hands, and for what purpose? 

"Well, if proper attention and good judgment is given in the 
selection of the parents, out of these nineteen colts that cannot 
trot sensationally fast, at least fifteen of them will sell at re- 
munerative prices as roadsters and business horses, or for breed- 
ing purposes, as they will have good size, style, action, and be 
possessed of enough beauty to make them an article of ready 
12 (177) 



1?8 BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

sale in any horse market of America ; but, if we breed for 
speed, alone without the other considerations, and. get a little 
animal that is not a fast trotter, — then what? Why, we had 
better have raised a steer or mule with the same food and less 
trouble and expense. 

The breeding of fine, stylish roadsters should prove a valu- 
able auxiliary to the trotting-horse breeder whose main object 
may be speed; consequently animals with not enough speed 
for the trainer for fast records, may yet, if backed with en- 
durance and a handsome form, with good disposition, be a 
source of profit to the breeder and add to the wealth of the 
community in which he is bred. 

Then, again, the demand for stylish, well-formed, spirited, 
but withal, level-headed and kind horses for the road has 
always been in advance of the supply. To breed trotters, the 
culls of which (as to phenomenal speed) will be of this class, 
the breeder should not only select as the sire a stallion from 
the great families of sires so known to fame, but secure the 
best individual specimens of strains that have excelled in pro- 
ducing trotters, and breed them to mares that have stamina, 
size, style, form, and endurance. 

Speed and the ability to produce speed are desirable charac- 
teristics in a trotting sire and make a strong combination. It 
is much easier to breed beauty than speed, and, on the whole, 
perhaps quite as profitable in the long run. Beauty of form 
and carriage does not detract from speed, and what is more 
worthless than a homely trotter that has not speed enough to 
be of any account as a race-horse, nor yet has the qualities 
necessary to a good road-horse, and is not even fitted by nature 
to be a good work-horse? So, I reiterate: "Breed horses for 
beauty, brains, and business." The first quality will always 
attract customers who can and will pay the highest prices ; 
and brains — good horse sense — is an important factor in a 
horse for an}^ purpose. 

The standard craze, based simply on the merits of speed 
alone for a single mile, has injured the trotting-horse interests 



BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 179 

of America more than anything else could have done ; it has 
filled the country with worthless brutes, unsuitable for any use 
whatever, except, perhaps, a single season's gambling imple- 
ment ; and on the simple achievement of this single season 
they have — both stallions and mares — been placed at the head 
of our best American stock farms. 

This is not business-like, and will never permanently suc- 
ceed. Although a firm believer in pedigree itself, I think it not 
to be considered unless merit as well as speed is behind the in- 
dividual. The standard craze amounts to nothing unless 
backed by individual merit. Pedigree is all right, but stand- 
ard-bred horses eligible to registry as such, without an animal 
to correspond Avith the pedigree — as often witnessed in com- 
bination sales when highly-bred stock will not sell for half 
enough to pay for their service fees — ^is a highly deplorable 
state of things, plainly showing that there is a screw loose some- 
where. 

This standard business may be carried a little too far when 
it admits everything bred in a certain line, without paying any 
regard whatever to the animal so bred as being worthy of use 
for breeding purposes, and rejecting many much better and 
also well-bred animals because they do not come up to the stand- 
ard in breeding according to set rules. 

How many gentlemen breeders among my readers have sold 
good, well-bred mares for a nominal price because they were 
non-standard according to the rules, and replaced them with 
others much inferior at long prices, simply because they were 
standard? How many good colts have been gelded because of 
being non-standard, and their places usurped by inferior ani- 
mals both as to meritorious breeding and individual merit, that 
were standard ? That the standard and the standard number 
has discarded many a good animal, filling their places with in- 
ferior ones, none of much observation and experience can deny. 

I like good breeding and fashionable pedigree as well as any 
man, but what I consider of more importance, and what has 
given me better results and greater satisfaction, is individual 



180 BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

excellence and positive qualities. Pedigree often sells trasn at 
fancy prices. 

I do not wish to be misunderstood in this matter of horse 
registration and the standard. It is all right and proper that 
we have a registry, a standard, and a standard number for each 
registered animal. But my idea in this matter is, I presume, 
an original one, and many breeders may not agree with me, 
but I believe no stallion colt should be eligible to record as stand- 
ard to be kept for breeding purposes until attaining suitable age 
and development, and subjected to an examination of a compe- 
tent, disinterested committee, duly and intelligently appointed 
for the purpose of ascertaining his individual qualifications — 
breeding included — to entitle him to a place on the registry as 
standard-bred and worthy of public patronage. 

If this rule should be adopted and strictly adhered to, then 
we should soon be rid of standard-bred weeds and no-account 
animals as public sires. 

The French, as a nation, are far ahead of us Americans as 
to selecting and controlling the use of public stallions. (See 
The French Coach Horse, Chapter XIII.) 

As to the standard as it now stands, neither Electioneer, 
Kutwood, George Wilkes, Red Wilkes, nor Alcantara would be 
admitted as standard hrefL, while the book stands wide open for 
the registration of countless numbers of worthless weeds or 
culls. 

Lucas Broadhead, agent of the famous Woodburn Farm of 
Kentucky, says that he " would rather have a horse that is well 
bred according to the general idea of what a well-bred horse is, 
than to have a horse that trotted in 2.30, and a man that breeds 
to a horse without a pedigree, with speed, will be excelled by 
the man who breeds to a pedigree without speed." He can 
point to Woodburn as almost uncontrovertible proof of his 
position. 

No pedigree can be a good one that does not generally pro- 
duce good animals ; no pedigree should be prized above other 
pedigrees unless it usually produces better animals. If tried by 



BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 181 

this test any pedigree that fails, no matter how much it has 
been idolized, its value is fictitious, and its effects are injurious 
to the breeding public. 

High strains of blood from a powerful race, coupled with 
individual merit, constitute the standard of value with me. I 
want no weeds as breeders, whether standard-bred or not. 

The breeding of the trotting horse has been likened to 
catching a good wife in Paris, which, in turn, has been 
described as grabbing for one eel in a basket of snakes, and 
should not be entered into with the expectation of making it a 
success by the careless and indifferent. 

To successfully breed the American Trotter, great skill, 
care, patience, and perseverance are required, more so than for 
the breeding of any other animal. The reasons are obvious. 

Firstly, it is a new breed scarcely fairly established, and to 
firmly place it as a recognized breed the world over there can 
be no more fooling or carelessness on the part of the breeders. 

SELECTING BREEDING STOCK FOK THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

In selecting breeding stock as the foundation of a stud for 
the purpose of breeding the American Trotter the judicious 
breeder will discriminate between the speedy, flashy weed, and 
the horse of both speed and stamina; between the little 
homely, ungainly animal (even though holding the world's 
record at the time) and the good-sized, symmetrical, beautiful, 
level-headed, well-bred animal, that would attract attention 
anywhere, even though the latter has not attained as fast a 
record as the little plug-ugly before mentioned. 

The American Trotter is the most modern of all the breeds 
mentioned herein, and, whatsoever others may say, there is still 
great need of an established type in this American horse, a 
more uniformity in likeness, size, speed, disposition, and 
general characteristics; and the breeder who does most to 
secure all of these will also secure the thanks of the horsemen 
of the 20th century. 

Size, color, disposition, and soundness should not be sacri- 



182 BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

ficed to speed alone ; and the breeder • making these sacrifices 
will as surely " get left " as the sun is sure to rise in the east 
or the moon to get full once every month. 

Color is merely an individual fancy ; but in fixing the type 
of the American trotting horse perhaps this matter should re- 
ceive due attention. In selecting foundation stock for breed- 
ing choose the best individual animals obtainable from the best 
trotting-bred families and of good trotting action. As to the 
brood mares being registered as standard I care little ; I prefer 
good individual trotting-bred mares that can trot, to standard- 
bred and registered weeds that cannot. 

For the sire or dam of a colt to make a trotter of I prefer 
a 2.30 animal that is a natural, level-headed trotter, and that 
can trot fairly and squarely off-handed without weights or 
boots, and can continue to do this, to any animal requiring such 
an amount of extra harness and trapping that its best acquaint- 
ances will fail to recognize it when fitted for the race, even if 
by these artificial appliances they can be made to trot in 2.04. 

I may be called an old fogy for advocating such notions, in 
this, the 19th century, but such opinions will, I am confident, 
bear the strictest investigations, and in the long run will prove 
themselves true every time when applied to the breeding of our 
fastest and best trotters. Give me natural, not artificial, trot- 
ters from which to breed trotters, is the whole thing in a nut- 
shell. 

The trotting horse should not be bred simpl}^ for racing 
alone or for wealthy gentlemen to drive on the road, smgly or 
in pairs ; but he raises the general standard of the horse for all 
work and because of his quick stride and great endurance is 
both profitable and serviceable for general use. The breeder 
of the trotting horse of to-day should ever bear in mind that 
of all the trotting-bred animals bred and raised but a small 
proportion will ever become sensational trotters, and the great 
majority must find employment elsewhere than on the trotting- 
course; consequently the importance of breeding only such 



BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 183 

individual animals as may be both useful and serviceable out- 
side of the speed-ring. 

To further illustrate my idea in breeding speed from trotting- 
bred animals other than those of the fastest records, we will 
take as a case in point, Arion, 2.07f , v^^ho had no trotting an- 
cestor, either male or female, with a record of 2.30 even, except 
Nutwood, 2.181 ; and right here, in the breeding of Arion, we 
find a strong argument for the late Leland Stanford's theory 
for selecting, as brood mares to breed to trotting stallions, the 
best thoroughbred race mares — those that could race and win ; 
not culls or weeds, to be obtained as dams of fast trotters. He 
proved to the world beyond a doubt that his theory was, in the 
main, correct ; but shall we continue on in the course 'i I say 
no. For just as long as we contmue to do so we put off what 
we desire to accomplish, and postpone the day of establishmg 
the American Trotter as a clistmct and world-recognized breed. 
With establishing this breed as with establishing the English 
Thoroughbred there is a time to stop experimenting with all 
outside issues. There is not a shadow of doubt but the 
thoroughbred has done his full share in establishing the Ameri- 
can Trotter as we find him up to date ; neither is there any 
doubt but the Arabian horse has done his full share in produc- 
ing the thoroughbred ; yet it appears that the English breeder 
knew when he had got enough of the Arab, and stopped. I 
claim that the American breeder has enough of the thorouo-h- 
bred, now, as a cross on the trotter, and should, therefore, stop 
and confine himself strictly to breeding the American Trotter 
from trotting-bred ancestry of stamina and race-qualities at the 
trotting gait. 

Were I to commence the business to-day of breeding the 
American trotting horse I should select for my breeding stock 
on both sides from the oldest and best families of trotters that 
have trotted and have done most to achieve the great popularity 
of this breed in America or the world ; and not from any whirl- 
wind, phenomenal, come-by-chance trotter or pacer, although 
he or she miorht hold the world's record at the time. 



184 BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

I like to have trotting stock for breeding purposes trace to 
such animals as Rysdyk's Hambletonian through his best bred 
sons, among which I consider embraced (alphabetically), Ad- 
ministrator, Alexander's Abdallah, Ajax, Dictator, Dauntless, 
Electioneer, Egbert, George Wilkes, Happy Medium, Harold, 
Jay Gould, Messenger Duroc, Strathmore, Sweepstakes, Yolun- 
teer, and Yictor Bismarck. 

I don't claim that this list embraces all the sons of Hamble- 
tonian worthy of patronage, but I know that all of those con- 
tributed largely to the establishment of the Hambletonian 
family of the American Trotter of the period. However, in 
the above list I have my own preferences, and especially so as 
regards selecting the stallion ; as some of them were much 
better brood mare sires than that of stallions. 

Mambrino Chief was another great progenitor of trotters — 
mainly through his daughters — and pedigrees tracing to him 
are well worthy of consideration by the breeder of the Ameri- 
can Trotter, 

Animals tracing to Imported Belfounder other than 
through Hambletonian are also well Avorthy of consideration ; 
especially those tracing to him through Green's Bashaw. Those 
tracing to Vermont Black Hawk, especially through Daniel 
Lambert, are usually desirable for the stud ; as are also all ani- 
mals tracing to old Imported Diomed. As to Blue Bull, that 
great progenitor of trotters from cold-blooded Indiana mares, 
although his breeding cannot and perhaps will not ever be cor- 
rectly ascertained, I have no doubt but he was a well-bred 
horse and I should have no hesitancy in breeding to him 
through his best-bred sons and daughters. 

Breeders of all classes of race-horses should bear in mind 
that early foals are preferable in every way to late ones. The 
reasons are obvious ; the earl}^ foal gets a good start and is bet- 
ter able to withstand that great torment to all horse flesh, the 
fly, which is so annoying to all horses, old and young, in the 
field and in the stable. Foals dropped late in the spring or 
early in the summer months, are not infrequently killed out- 



BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 185 

right — ia some localities — by these merciless and annoying 
insects ; others have their growth more or less retarded from 
the same cause. 

More than this — an early colt may be weaned in time to 
become accustomed to solid foods and can more easily be kept 
in good condition during the first winter, coming out in the 
spring strong and vigorous. 

Another important item of consideration to the trotting- 
horse breeder is, that all registered animals and all eligible 
racers' ages are reckoned as commencing with the year ; so a 
colt foaled on January 1st stands equal with one foaled on the 
31st of December, of the same year. Consequently the earlier 
in the year the foal is dropped the more advantage it has as 
regards age ; and this item alone is of vast importance in rais- 
ing horses for the turf or track. Aside from this advantage it 
is generally conceded that the early foal will always make a 
larger and stronger animal than the later one. What I mean 
by the later one, in this connection, is the one dropped in the 
late spring or during the summer or early fall months. 

In most of the middle and western states, however, I should 
prefer — other things set aside — to have the foals come in Oc- 
tober and then carefully house and feed them with the dam 
during the winter. They will then be able to go out to grass 
early in the season and be better able to withstand the murder- 
ous puncturings of the flies. 

Good care is the grand secret in horse-raising, second only 
in importance to that of blood, which is purely an inherited 
quality and a lack of which no after care can ever compensate. 
Abundant opportunity for exercise in the fresh air is an abso- 
lute essential to a healthy development of all 3"oung animals ; 
it is not sufficient that the colt be led out at regular intervals 
for his exercise ; he needs and should have the opportunity to 
romp and play. 

A stirring up of spirit that causes him to extend his muscles 
to the outmost and expand his lungs to their very depths, and 
to send the blood coursing through his veins with fiery vigor ; 



186 BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

— all of these are essential to a healthy and full development, 
and nowhere can it be attained equal to the freedom of the 
field. 

Still, even in pleading for this wild freedom for the growing 
colt, I do not wish to be misunderstood. I do not advocate the 
starving, freezing process through which so many youngsters 
are obliged to wend their ways to horsehood. A stunted, half- 
starved animal of any breed will never attain to so perfect 
physical development as one that has been W'cll fed and cared 
for. The true policy in developing the healthy grow^th of the 
American trotter is by a generous supply of nutritious food and 
by permitting them to romp and race and play at w^ill. By so 
doing we will secure a healthy and full development of heart 
and lungs, of bone and muscle. 

As to the general management of the foal of the American 
trotter it should not vary much from instructions heretofore 
given in the management of foals in general. (See Manage- 
ment of Foals, Chapter XX.) 

Handling and training will come under another head. (See 
Breaking and Training, Chapter XXVIII.) 

HIGH PRICES FOR TROTTING HORSES. 

American-bred trotting horses have been sold for the fol- 
lowing high prices : 

Arion, blk. c, three years, by Electioneer, dam ISTanette by Nut- 
wood, $125,000. 

Axtell, b. c, three years, by "Wm. L., son of George Wilkes, 
dam by Mambrino Boy, $105,000. 

Anteo, b. c, by Electioneer, dam Columbine by A. "W". Rich- 
mond, $55,000. 

Bell Boy, b. c, by Electioneer, dam Beautiful Bells by The 
Moor, $51,000. 

Stamboul, blk. c, by Sultan, dam Eleetwing by Hambleto- 
nian, $50,000. 

Nancy Hanks, b. m., by Happy Medium, dam Nancy Lee by 
Dictator, $45,000. 



BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 187 

Sunol, b. m., by Electioneer, dam "Waxana by Gen. Benton, 
$41,000. 

Acolyte, b. h., by Onward, dam Lady Alice by Almont, 
$40,000. 

Maud S., c. m., by Harold, dam Miss Kussell by Pilot, Jr., 
$40,000. 

Smuggler, br. b., by Blanco, dam untraced, $40,000. 

Pocahontas, b. m., by Ethan Allen, dam Pocahontas by Iron's 
Cadmus, $40,000. 

Karus, b. g., by Concldin's Abdallah, • dam ISTancy Awful by 
Telegraph, $36,000. 

Antevolo, b. h., by Electioneer, dam Columbine by A. W. Kich- 
mond, $35,000. 

Jay Gould, b. h., by Hambletonian, dam Lady Sanford by 
American Star, $35,000. . 

Dexter, br. g., by Hambletonian, dam Clara by American Star, 
$33,000. 

Goldsmith Maid, b. m., 2.14, by Alexander's Abdallah, dam 
Old Ab by Abdallah (1), $32,000. 

The King, b. g., by George Wilkes, dam Jewell by Gill's Ver- 
mont, $31,000. 

Lady Thorne, b. m., by Mambrino Chief, dam Rhodes' mare by 
Gano, $30,000. 

Blackwood, blk. h., by Alexander's Norman, dam by Mam- 
brino Chief, $30,000. 

Prince Wilkes, ch. g., by Red Wilkes, dam Roe's Chief by 
Brown Chief, $30,000. 

Pancoast, b. h., by Woodford Mambrino, dam Bicara by Har- 
old, $28,000. 

Gov. Sprague, blk. h., by Sprague's Hambletonian, dam Belle 
Brandon by Hambletonian, $27,500. 

Patron, b. h., by Pancoast, dam Beatrice by Cyler, $27,500. 

Constantine, b. m., by Egbert, dam not traced, $27,000. 

George Wilkes, b. h., by Hambletonian, dam Dolly Spanker, 
pedigree untraced, $25,000. 



188 BREEDING THE AMERICAN TROTTER. 

Nettie, b. m., 2.18, by Hambletonian, dam Countyhouse Mag 

by American Star, $25,000. 
Oazelle, b. m., by Hambletonian, dam Hattie "Wood by Harry 
Clay, $20,000. 

Twenty-seven trotters sold for $1,104,000, or an average of 
$40,900. 

Sixty-nine head of colts and fillies, all sired by Electioneer, 
sold at auction in New York city in 1891 for $68,105, an aver- 
age of $987.90. 

Mares in foal should never be used for horseback riding. 
Many abortions have occurred by neglecting to observe this 
rule. 



CHAPTEK XXIL 

OLD TIME TROTTERS. 

Topgallant — Ripton — Lady Suffolk — Flora Temple — Ethan Allen — Geo. 
M. Patchen — Geo. Wilkes — Goldsmith Maid — American Giri — 
Dutchman — Americus — Dexter — Columbus — Betting on races — 
Lady Suffolk {In Memoriam). 

" Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
And never brought to min' ? 
Should auld acquaintance be forgot 
And days o' lang syne ? " 

AMONG the old-time trotters who have contributed their 
share toward creating and establishing an interest in 
the American trotter, and who have afforded much pleasure to 
the lovers of fast trotters, and who have occasionally electrified 
the trotting world by their marvelous performances on the 
turf, but who have long since gone the way of all flesh, I will 
mention a few of the most noted in their day ; and to give my 
readers some sort of an idea as to how the trotting business 
was conducted in the past, I have selected ten noted trotters of 
their day, which we will — partially, at least — follow through 
their campaigns. 

"We will commence in 1829 with old Imported Messenger's 
son, Topgallant ; then, in order, comes a somewhat noted son 
of Sherman Morgan, called Eipton; then the much-abused 
gray mare, Lady Suffolk. Next comes that wonderful little 
mare. Flora Temple ; then the noted son of Black Hawk, and 
the King of the Morgans, Ethan Allen ; then will come the 
brown stallion Geo. M. Patchen, with a race record of 2.23^; 
then the founder of the Wilkes' family, George Wilkes, 2.22 ; 
then the reigning queen of her day, Goldsmith Maid— the first 
to lower the trotting record to 2.14; then the invincible Dex- 
ter, the great horse of his time who so long held the world's 

(189) 



190 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

trotting record of 2.17^; and finally, that honest and gamy 
race-mare, dying in the harness and now lying under a monu- 
ment perpetuating her memory, American Girl. 

Many others might be mentioned in detail, some of whom 
may be as worthy of mention as any of these, but in a work 
like this it should not be expected. 

It will appear that in the trotting races of fifty or sixty 
years ago (and even more than that), this sport was highly in- 
teresting and entertaining to many of the good citizens of 
those days, and ever has been more or less so since the days of 
the earliest Morgans, more than ninety years ago. It is sup- 
posed that then, as now, betting on the results of the races was 
considered much the same, as 

"A noble, virtuous citizen 

Is he who backs the winner ; 
But he who backs a losing nag 
Is a gambler and a sinner." 

Topgallant was a dark bay horse foaled in 1808, on Long 
Island, ]Sr. Y. He stood fifteen-three high ; he was plain and 
raw-boned but had rather a fine head and neck, and eyes ex- 
pressive of much courage. His sire was old Imported Messen- 
ger. 

Topgallant was surely an old-time trotting horse and one of 
the best of his time ; and, being a son of old Messenger, his ex- 
ploits on the turf had much to do with directing the attention 
of the trotting world to Messenger and his stock. 

In speaking of this old-time trotter, the late Hiram Wood- 
ruff in the " Trotting Horse of America," says : " He was, in 
fact, in some respects the most extraordinary trotter that ever 
came under my observation. In the capital points of longevity 
and endurance I have never known quite his equal, all things 
taken into account. When I say longevity I mean the length 
of days while serviceable as a trotter, and able to meet and 
beat very often the best of his time. I do not mean vegetat- 
ing, about half dead at the root and rotten at the trunk, as 
many of the horses spoken of for their longevity have been. 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 191 

I speak of old TojDgallant as one of the best and stoutest that 
ever looked through a bridle. When I first knew him he was 
spavined in both hind legs, 

"His spirit was very high and yet he was so reliable that he 
would hardly ever break, and his bottom was of the finest and 
toughest quality. He was live oak as well as hickory, for the 
best of his races were made after he was twenty years old. 
He was more than fourteen years of age before he was known 
at all as a trotter except that he could go a distance the whole 
length of the ' New York road ' as well as any horse that had 
ever been extended on it. 

" Topgallant then belonged to a gentleman by the name of 
Green. In the year 1829, when in his twenty-second year, he 
trotted four-mile heats against Whalebone over the Hunting- 
ton Park course, Philadelphia. There were four heats before 
it was decided. Topgallant won the race after a desperate 
struggle. Time 11.16, 11.06, 11.17, and 12.15. This old horse 
of twenty -two years old that could trot four four-mile heats 
that would have made sixteen miles in less than forty -six min- 
utes, and who could easily have gone his twenty miles m an 
hour, had it been twenty miles against time, may justly be con- 
sidered as one of the shining landmarks of 'ye olden time.' 

"But if we follow him into his twenty-fourth year, 1831, 
two years after the great race above alluded to, when he and 
Whalebone and six others of the best of their time met at the 
Huntington Park course at Philadelphia and trotted a race of 
three-mile heats, we find that there were eight trotters in this 
race — Dread, Topgallant, Collector, Chancellor, Whalebone, 
Lady Jackson, Moonshine, and Columbus. The race was un- 
der saddle and was one of the greatest and most exciting races 
of the year. These horses all trotted twelve miles in this race, 
old Topgallant winning one heat and was second in the last 
heat." 

The following week in Baltimore, in a race of three-mile 
heats against Whalebone, Topgallant won ; thus showing in a 
marked degree the tremendous endurance and recuperative 



192 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

energy of that wonderful horse's constitution. Topgallant 
lived to be twenty-eight years old. 

EIPTON. 

Ripton was a very handsome bay gelding with four white 
legs and a blaze in the face. He was bred in Eipton, Yermont, 
foaled m 1 830. He was sired by Sherman Morgan and his dam 
was a granddaughter of old Justin Morgan. 

Ripton was a well-bred Morgan and one of the best of his 
days, but on account of his bad white markmgs was gelded at 
the age of two years, and then on account of his high life and 
great natural speed at the trot, he was taken to the New York 
market when five years old — in 1835 ; when, after being given 
a trial mile in harness on the Centerville course — being the 
first time he ever stepped on a race track — he made his mile 
in the finest and handsomest style that had ever been shown 
on that track, driven by an entire stranger to him, Joel Conk- 
lin, in 2.46. He was purchased at a high price by Peter 
Barker, who owned the great trotting horse, Dutchman, at the 
time. He was afterwards sold to George Weaver of Philadel- 
phia, and went into the hands of Trainer James Hammil. 

Ripton was a small horse, not exceeding fifteen hands high, 
of the old-fashioned Morgan type. He was marked almost ex- 
actly like Dexter, the exception being that in the case of Rip- 
ton the white on one fore leg ran higher up than the other, 
consequently it gave him the appearance, when going very 
fast, of lifting that foot higher and slapping it down with ex- 
traordinary vim, yet this was a mere optical illusion. 

Hiram Woodruff, in speaking of Ripton, says : " He' was a 
powerful horse of uncommon fine spirit and determination, and 
his style of going was very fine. He went as level as the flow 
of a smooth stream that is both swift and deep ; and could trot 
fast, smooth, and honest." 

In breeding Ripton's pedigree was not unlike his illustrious 
successor from Yermont, Ethan Allen, and his way of going 
was much the same. His first race was with Mount Holly, 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 193 

whom he beat quite handily in two straight heats. Ripton 
then passed into the hands of George Youngs, who was quite 
celebrated as a rider and driver of trotting horses. He was 
brought back to New York and trotted over the Beacon course, 
mile heats, three in five, in harness against Kate Kearney. 

Kate was a bay mare about 15-1 in height, and at that time 
belonged to Stacy Pitcher. Eipton won in good time. When 
Wh years old he was put into the hands of that Napoleon of 
horsemen, of his day, the late Hiram Woodruff. Hiram said of 
him at that time : " He has all the requisites to make a very 
fine trotter," and such he afterwards became. When Hiram 
had trained Ripton two months he captured with ease a two- 
mile race Avith him asi-ainst Don Juan in 5.19 and 5.23. 

Kipton was a stout horse of great game and bottom, and re- 
quired much hard work to bring him to his best racing con- 
dition. His first trot in 1843 was in May over the Beacon 
course, two mile heats in harness against Confidence and Lady 
Suffolk. In this race Confidence was the favorite, but Ripton 
"won the race in two straight heats, in 5.10^ and 5.12^. He 
won a race in September of this same season, greatly dis- 
tinguishing himself in a two-mile race over the Huntington 
Park course, Philadelphia, by beating Lady Suffolk and making 
the then unparalleled time of tAvo miles in 5. 07 in the first heat. 
The accomplishment of this feat in harness caused great excite- 
ment among trotting-horse men ; it being similar to that when, 
in after years. Flora Temple outdid herself, and, morally, dis- 
tanced all that had gone before by trotting a mile in harness 
below 2.20. 

In a race against Brandywine and Don Juan, Ripton was 
timed a half-mile in the then unparalleled time of 1.11^. This 
little horse, son of old Sherman Morgan, was a great horse of 
his time and Avas considered at his best after he Avas twelve 
years old, and after having been raced and campaigned against 
the greatest and fastest of his day for seven years, and ridden 
and driven in his races by many different riders and drivers. 
13 



194 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

As before stated, Ripton was a horse able to stand, and, in 
fact, requiring a great amount of work in his preparations for 
a race, and with the same amount of work that trainers of 
other horses of less spirit and stamina would dare to give them, 
he Avould be practicably unmanageable in a hotly-contested 
race. When at his best he was considered the fastest little 
horse on the American Trotting turf. He was a very horsey 
little horse, a product of the Green Mountain State, and a fair 
representative of the old-time Morgans. 

In recapitulating the performances of Ripton in 1842, by 
Hiram Woodruff, we find that he trotted in that year as fol- 
lows: First, two-mile heats in harness, which he won in two 
heats, beating Lady Suffolk and Confidence ; second, two-mile 
heats in harness, which he won in three heats, beating Lady 
Suffolk ; third, two-mile heats in harness, which he won in two 
heats, beating Lady Suffolk and Washington ; fourth, two-mile 
heats in harness, which he won, beating Confidence ; fifth, two- 
mile heats to wagons weighing 187 pounds, which Confidence 
won in three heats ; sixth, three-mile heats in harness with Con- 
fidence and Lady Suffolk, which he won ; seventh, mile heats 
to wagons with Americus, which Americus won in two heats ; 
eighth, three-mile heats in harness with Americus, which Rip- 
ton won in three straight heats. Ripton trotted fourteen two- 
mile races and five three-mile races that season, and of these he 
won thirteen. 

Hiram Woodruff said that Ripton, of all the horses he ever 
had, was one of those that required the most work. " He was 
so resolute and game, and his spirits were so high, that if not 
kept down by a good deal of steady work he was almost cer- 
tain to run away as soon as he was suffered to go fast ; with the 
work that most horses required he would be almost or quite 
unmanageable." 

Yet there was no vice about him, but the exuberance of his 
spirit was such that when he was at all indulged he would run 
away from mere fun. 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 195 

LADY SUFFOLK. 

Lady Suffolk was a gray mare, bred in Suffolk County, 
Long Island, JST. Y., by Leonard W. Lawrence of Smithstown. 
She was foaled in 1833 ; her sire was Engineer, 2d, a thorough- 
bred son of Engineer by Imported Messenger, and her dam was 
Dusky Jane by Don Quixote, a son of Imported Messenger. 
She was, consequently, a strongly in-bred Messenger mare. 
She was sold at weaning time to R. F. Blaydenburgh for $60. 
She was again sold when four years old to David Bryant for 
$112.50. When young she was an iron gray in color, but in 
her old age she became almost white. She was about fifteen 
hands one inch in height ; she was well and strongly built, 
long in body, back a little roached, powerful, long quarters, 
hocks let down low, short cannon bones, pastern joints fine, 
shoulders good, slim but muscular neck, a rather large, long, bony 
head, and big ears. Her feet were small and crimpy — called 
mulish feet — but were sound and as tough as iron. 

Her first appearance on the turf was on a very cold day in 
February in 1838, at Babylon, ISI. Y., where she trotted for and 
won a purse of $11 in three heats, the fastest heat of which was 
three minutes. 

In her next race, June 20th of the same year, at Beacon 
course, she was beaten by both Black Hawk and Apollo in poor 
time, but, two days afterwards, at the same place, she won a 
race of two-mile heats under the saddle, beating Lady Victory, 
Black Hawk, Cato, and Sarah Puff in two heats in 5.15 and 
5.17. After which she was beaten by Kattler, Awful, and 
N'apoleon, all of these races two-mile heats, and October lYth 
she beat Polly Smallfry and Madam Royal, two-mile heats, in 
5.18 and 5.26. 

Rattler then beat her three-mile heats, and Dutchman beat 
her two races, two-mile and mile heats respectively. In 1839 
she trotted twelve races, eight of which were two-mile heats 
and one of four-mile heats, winning six and losing six. 

In 1840 she commenced the season by trotting two-mile 
heats under the saddle at the Huntington Park course, June 



196 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

6th, against Dutchman, and was beaten. Two days afterwards 
Dutchman again beat her over the same course in three-mile 
heats. 

In less than a week after these two severe races she beat 
Celeste and Kapoleon on the Centerville course, Long Island, in 
harness, 5.26, 5.33, and 5.32. 

June 30th, on the same track, she beat Bonaparte easily, 
four-mile heats, in 11.15 and 11.58. Her next race was with 
Aaron Burr, two-mile heats at the Beacon course, September 
21st, when she beat him in 5.22, 5.21, and 5.35 ; and, three days 
later, on the same course, she beat Dutchman, two-mile heats 
under saddle, in 4.59 and 5.03^. 

The opening of the season of 1841 found the little gray 
mare again at the Centerville course, where she, on the 4th day 
of May, beat Confidence and Washington, two-mile heats, in 
5.13| and 5.41. This was quite a successful season for the gray 
lady, and during it she beat such good ones of that period as 
Confidence, Washington, Dutchman, Eipton, Awful, and 
Oneida Chief. 

The next two seasons were generally unsuccessful, which 
was universally attributed to the obstinacy and incompetency 
of her owner and driver, David Bryant, a very hard master^ 
who used her very cruelly, it is said. It is thought that had 
she been handled by such a competent trainer and driver as 
Hiram Woodruff that her defeats throughout her whole career 
would have been few and far between. 

In 1844 she was very successful, beating such good ones as 
Dutchman, Eipton, Washington, Americus, and Columbus. 

In 1845 she won four races and lost four. In 1846 she only 
won two out of five races. In 1847, when in her fifteenth year, 
she bore away the palm from all her competitors, among which 
were Moscow, Lady Sutton, Kipton, as trotters, and the pacers 
were James K. Polk and Roanoke. She won eight races and 
lost but one this season, and her performances were at three, two, 
and one-mile heats, under saddle, in harness, and to wagons. 

Her fastest time for three miles this season was 7.56, two 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 197 

miles 5.03, and one mile 2.33J. She only trotted six races in 
1848, having met with an accident in the middle of the season, 
when she was winning races right along. 

In 1849 she trotted nineteen races and captured twelve of • 
them, beating Gray Eagle, Mac, and Lady Sutton each twice ; 
Pelham- five times, the famous twenty-miler, Trustee, four 
times; Black Hawk, Gray Trouble, Ploughboy, and others. 
She reduced her record this season to 2.26 under the saddle, 
which was the world's record at that time. 

In 1850 she beat Lady Moscow six times at one, two, and 
three miles ; Jack Rossiter three times. Hector once and in har- 
ness once, and beat James K. Polk, the pacer, to wagon. 

In 1851 she was moderately successful. In 1852, when 
nineteen years old, she trotted twelve races. In 1853, when 
twenty years old, she entered into two races, but was defeated 
in both, thus ending the turf career of one of the best of 
our old-time trotters, after appearing on the American trotting 
turf every season for fifteen years. 

Lady Suffolk died at Bridgeport, Yt., on March 7, 1855, at 
twenty-two years of age. 

LADY SUFFOLK. 

In Memoriam. 

For fifteen years the virgin queen 

And mistress of the turf ; 
Most nobly did she win the name 

As queen of trotting course. 

Amid the pouring of the sweat 

And flying of the fur, 
She never quailed beneath the whip 

Or fluttered at the spur.* 

As freely flowed her purple life * 

She mutely bore the pain ; 
Winner of the hard-fought strife, 

This foal of Dusky Jane. 



* She had a very cruel master, who lashed and spurred her most shamefully 
in her races. 



198 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

Ten thousand eyes have danced to see 

Her snowy tail unfold ; 
Ten thousand ears have bent to hear 

Her time, by judges told. 

At Boston, Cincinnati, 

On Alabama's plain. 
With victor's wreaths they crowned her, 

Daughter of Dusky Jane. 

A man proves himself fit to go higher when he is faithful 
where he is. Whatever you do, do it well, and advancement 
and success are sure to follow. " There is a tide in the affairs 
of men, which taken at the flood leads on to fortune ; omitted, 
all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows, and in 
miseries." 



CHAPTEE XXIII„ 

OLD-TIME TROTT^EUS. — Continued. 

Flora Temple — Pedigree and place of breeding — Sale for $13 when four 
years old — Sale to Jonathan Vielee — Sale to George E. Perrin — Her 
first race — Her peculiar race with Whitehall, Delaware Maid, etc. — 
Races in 1853 — Her sale in 1853 for $1,000 — Her races in 1853 — 
Flora's great race with Lancet for $3,000 — Sale in 1858 for $8,000 — 
Race with George M. Patchen — Last race in 1861 — Confiscated to 
United States Government — Sold when 19 years old for $8,000. 

FLOEA Temple was foaled in Oneida county, near Utica, 
]Sr. Y., in 1845. She was bred by Samuel Welch, and 
sired by One Eyed Hunter, a son of Kentucky Hunter, thor- 
oughbred. Her dam was Madam Temple, a little bay mare 
said to be the very picture of herself, and sired by a spotted 
horse. She was, when full grown, 14-1 in height. As dock- 
ing was fashionable in those times, she was docked Avith a 
jackknife before she Avas an hour old, and she stood on her 
feet at that time, and had the same gray hairs at the root 
of her tail that she carried through life, which was all the 
white markings connected with her. 

Her owner at four years old, a Mr. Taney, finding her so 
willful as to be unserviceable to him, sold her for $13 to Wm. 
H. Congdon of Symrna, Chenango county. Mr. Congdon, 
after keeping her awhile, sold her to Kelly and Eichardson for 
$63, and after changing hands once or twice more (as she was 
trading goods) she fell into the hands of a drover buying cattle 
for the ^ew York market, at $80. This drover sold her on the 
way to 'New York to Jonathan Yielee, a horse dealer of 
Washington Hollow, Dutchess couaty, for $175, who sold her 
shortly afterwards to George E. Perrin of ISTew York city for 
$350. 

In the hands of Mr. Perrin, the little bay mare that had 

(199) 



200 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

proved so intractable, so flighty, so harem-scarem, and, to come 
to the true expression, so worthless to her original owners, was 
favored with more advantages than she had previously enjoyed. 
She was not only introduced to the very best society of fast 
goers on the Bloomingdale and Long Island roads, but she was 
taught that when flinging herself out " with exuberant and 
superabundant spirit " (all over the road, as it were) to play 
her limbs in a true line, and give her extraordinary qualities a 
chance to show their true value. Whenever she made a skip, 
a quick admonition and a steady check brought her to her 
senses, and when in the frenzy of excitement in being chal- 
lenged by some high-flyer of the road, she would, as the 
horsemen used to say, " travel over herself " and " go up " into 
the air, she was steadied and settled down by a firm rein into 
stead}^ trottmg and good behavior instantly. 

The crazy, flighty, half -racking and half -trotting little mare 
soon became a true stepper, and abandoned her confused 
" rip-i-ty clip-i-ty " way of going, substituting in its stead a 
clean, even, long, low, locomotive trotting stroke. 

Many a man, on coming up to a tavern after having been 
beaten by her, would say to her owner, " That's a mighty nice 
little mare of yours, and if she were only big enough to stand 
hard work, you might expect a good deal from her." 

There was at that time, as there have ever since been, many 
horses of great repute upon the roads in the vicinity of JSTew 
York, and among those who occasionally came in contact with 
the little bay mare was one of considerable speed, called the 
"Waite Pony. 

This Waite Pony received the greatest surprise of his life 
one afternoon in the summer that Flora " came out " — 1850 — 
by her beating him to a stand still on a mile stretch of the 
road. This deed of the little mare led to an after matched 
road-race with the pony, which was virtually the first race of 
her life, and she captured it very handily. As, however, the 
time made in this race was over three minutes, it did not in- 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 201 

crease the reputation of the mare so much as it discounted her 
competitor. 

A match was soon afterwards made between her and a horse 
known as Yandeburg's Black Stallion, for $500 a side, mile 
heats ; the stallion in wagon and Flora to go in harness. This 
race came off at the Union course on Long Island, and was 
easily won by the mare in three straight heats. 

Her next exploit was on September 9th of that same year 
a.nd on the same course. The circumstances of her entering 
into this race were quite peculiar, as she was not entered until 
after arriving upon the ground on the day of the race. She 
was not in racing condition, as on the previous day she had 
been driven very hard, and, on coming home at night, was 
treated with a " warm mash " and virtually put to bed. On 
the next morning, however, she looked so fine that her owner 
decided to drive her over to the track, as he wished to see the 
races ; and on the road she behaved so well and passed so 
many going down the road that he concluded " just for luck " 
to let her try her mettle for the purse. 

The race was mile-heats in harness, and the horses entered 
were "Whitehall, Delaware Maid, JSTapoleon, and Hiram. The 
first-named horse, a fine brown stallion, was the favorite in the 
race, but all the others were considered good ; and their 
owners, being very popular trotting men, had given considerable 
interest to this race. 

It was considered a bold and foolhardy exploit to enter 
that comparatively unknown little runt of a mare under such 
circumstances against such horses; and when her owner, unable 
to obtain a trotting " skeleton," determined to " put her 
through" in a common road sulky, his conduct was looked 
upon as audacious in the extreme. 

When the word " Go ! " was given the five were all well 
together for a few seconds, when "Whitehall, with a fine, bold 
stroke, drew out of the clump and took a commanding lead ; 
the little bay mare, however, in the old road sulky, kept right 
on in his wake, making her long, low, sweeping strides with 



202 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

the regularity of machinery, and threatening to pass him the 
first moment he should lose his feet. At the first quarter- 
pole there was but a length distance between them ; at the 
half-mile but barely two, while the others, with the exception 
of Delaware Maid, who was pretty well up, were being trailed 
off in a most disastrous manner. 

In this order the first heat was won by Whitehall; "the 
little bay mare," handicapped by the road sulky, whom no one 
thought would have a ghost of a chance in the race, being sec- 
ond ; Delaware Maid, third, while ]!^apolean and Hiram were 
distanced. The two latter being now out of the race, the little 
bay mare secured a trotting sulky for herself, and the record 
gives her the three successive heats, the time being 2.55, 2.52^ 
and 2.49, and Delaware Maid being third in each heat. 

The greatest excitement attended the finishing of the third 
and fourth heats, and when the race was finished the specta- 
tors advanced and felt the little heroine all over as they could 
not possibly comprehend how such a little homely scrub could 
stand the weight and fatigue she had been subjected to, and 
yet maintain the speed she did. 

This was really her first exploit introducing her to the pages 
of the Racing Calendar, where she was recorded under the 
modest name of Flora. It was but little thought by those who 
placed after her name the mystical figures 2, 1, 1, 1, that she 
was destined to become the Queen of the trotting world and 
to render its tablets so illustrious. 

Soon after the above race, " the little bay mare," or Flora 
Temple as we are now at liberty to call her, passed into the 
hands of John C, brother of George E. Perrin, for the modest 
sum of $575, which was more than seven times the sum for 
which she had been gladly parted with by her former Utica 
owner some three or four months previously. 

Owing to an accident in her exercises, whereby the sulky 
hit her heels and caused a runaway, she was not on the turf at 
all during the season of 1851. 

The following season, 1852, her owner, finding she had re- 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 203 

gained her former confidence and steadiness, matched 'her 
against "Philadelphia Sail" for $200 around the "Ked House" 
track. She won with great ease. 

Her next race was with Dutchman at the Union course, 
mile heats, best three in five, for $250 a side, on ]N"ovember 
10th. She won in three straight heats, thus placing herself in- 
disputably "well up" among the best trotters of that day, by 
recording the time at 2.40, 2.39, and 2.36. 

In the spring of 1853 she was placed in the hands of that 
Kapoleon of the trotting sulky and one of the best condition- 
ers and trainers of his day, Hiram Woodruff ; who, after hand- 
ling her more or less during the season, and becoming thor- 
oughly convinced that she was a weight puller as well as a fast 
and stout trotter, matched her in December of that year for 
$500 a side, to trot, mile heats, best three in five, with Center- 
ville, to wagons of 250 lbs. 

As the mare had been let up in the season's training and 
had had no fast work for several weeks, the horse talent con- 
sidered it a rash act in Hiram to make the race under the cir- 
cumstances ; and his friends endeavored to dissuade him from 
starting the mare in the race, the betting being 100 to TO on. 
the horse at the start ; but no one knew the race qualities and 
stamina of that little mare better than Hiram and he drove 
her himself in this race. The first heat was a good, but not a 
sensationally fast, one, but Flora being an easy winner the bet- 
ting was changed from 100 to 70 on the horse to 100 to 60 on 
the mare, and she won the second and third heats with great 
ease ; the time of the three heats were 2.42, 2.46, and 2.44. 

Considering the time of the year, the condition of the track, 
and the fact that she was not really in training, this was a per- 
formance of uncommon significance, adding vastly to Flora's 
value. 

Soon after this great performance she was sold to a Mr. 
Boerum of Williamsburg, — with her engagement to trot Young 
Dutchman for $1,000. Her price was $4,000. 

She had been, as before related, sold to John C. Perrin by 



204 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

his brother George, the previous spring for $575. This shows 
that the winning of a great race often adds immensely to the 
value of a horse for racing purposes. 

In 1853 her first race was with Black Douglas — a young 
horse of great private reputation — mile heats in harness, best 
three in five, on the Huntington course, April 28th. The mare 
was then too fat and soft for racing and lacked the required 
seasoning ; the result of which was that the horse beat her in 
three straight heats in 2.35^, 2.30|, and 2.35. This was a great 
performance for a green horse of that period; but the little 
mare was forthwith matched to try titles with him again on 
the 17th of the next month. 

Her next race was on the 4th of May with Lady Brooks, a 
good mare, and held in such high esteem by her friends and 
admirers, who boasted so much of her speed and staying quali- 
ties that 100 to 60 was laid against Flora. This race was 
trotted on the Centerville course for $1,000 a side. Flora won 
the race in three straight heats in 2.31i, 2.32, and 2.33J. They 
were all won with great ease and plenty of speed in reserve. 

Flora was now eight years old. She was sound and of 
good constitution ; she was a capital feeder, and all the time she 
was improving. Consequently, on her next meeting with Black 
Douglas, on the 17th of this month, and when driven by " Old 
Hiram" himself, Douglas was of no comparative account to 
her, and she won the race in three straight heats in 2. 32 J, 2.35, 
a,nd 2.31 i. 

Flora's next race was with Highland Maid, an exceedingly 
well-bred mare of her time, being by Sultrum, by Kentucky 
Whip, out of a gray Messenger mare, and her dam was also of 
Messenger blood, consequently she was an in-bred Messenger. 

This race was trotted on the Centerville course, June 15, 
1853, in harness and to wagons. The owner of the Maid, Mr. 
l^odine, drove her in this race, and Hiram Woodruff piloted 
Flora. Much interest was centered upon the race, and jnuch 
money was staked, as it was said by the knowing ones that 
Highland Maid was possessed of much greater speed than she 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 205 

had ever shown in public. It was afterwards reported that in 
her preparations for this race she made a trial mile in 2.18. 

The day was a beautiful, balmy one in June, of just the 
right temperature for pleasure and comfort ; the crowd at the 
track was immense, perhaps the largest ever before assembled 
there. 

Highland Maid took the first heat in 2.29, the second in 2.27, 
and was distanced by Flora in the third heat. 

Flora's next race was a wagon race with this same mare. 
Highland Maid. It took place on the Centerville course on 
June 28th. George Spicer drove the Maid, and Hiram Wood- 
ruff drove Flora. Hiram was much pleased with Flora that 
day, as she had already demonstrated her ability to "train on'^ 
and become better and better for racmg as the season advanced 
and as she became better seasoned and toughened by much 
hard work. This great reinsman felt confident, on that June 
morning, that he was " up " behind one of the best bottomed,, 
resolute, gamy, and altogether best little mares in the world 
to rely upon, and, consequently, he determined to force the 
pace. 

Flora won the first heat in 2.28, thus breaking the previous- 
wagon record of 2.31, and this was considered a most marvel- 
ous performance at that time. In the second heat of this race 
Flora broke and lost the heat in 2.32. The third was a dead 
but very exciting heat in 2.32. Flora also broke in the fourth 
heat, and lost it in 2.33. The fifth heat was an old-fashioned 
horse race, being trotted from end to end without a break or 
skip by either. Flora winning by a neck in 2.31J. In the sixth 
and deciding heat of this great race Flora had it almost all 
her own way, winning the heat and the race m 2.35. 

This race did not seem to have much effect on Flora, for 
two days after it she beat Black Douglas easily in 2.32, 2.32, 
and 2.36. 

After the great wagon race of June 28, 1853, Flora was the 
acknowledged queen of the trotting turf in that way of going. 

Soon after Flora had defeated Highland Maid and Black 



306 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

Douglas, she was matched against Taconey, mile heats, three in 
five in harness, the race to come off on July lith over the 
Union course. 

Taconey was a roan gelding bred in Canada ; he already had 
a trotting record, under the saddle, of 2.26^, consequently this 
match created much excitement and the betting ran high, and 
it was about even. Flora had not made so fast time as had 
Taconey, but her record of 2.28 to wagon was considered as good 
as 2.25^ under saddle, and, besides, the game and bottom ex- 
hibited by Flora in her great race of desperate heats with 
Highland Maid, and then her contest with Black Douglas only 
two days after, had inspired her friends and admirers with 
great confidence in her ability. 

On this occasion, however, her opponent won in three 
straight heats. The first, after a desperate struggle, was won 
by a neck in 2.28, the second by a head only in 2.27, and the 
third by a throatlatch in 2.29. The attendance at the course 
was large and the spectators were treated to a race affording 
great excitement. 

Before the day was over these horses were again matched 
to trot two-mile heats in harness in five days. Flora won the 
race easily in two heats — 5.51 and 5.01. This was the best 
two-mile time that had then been made. 

Flora engaged in several other races that season, the last 
one being on October 15th, when at Philadelphia she tried 
titles with the Morgan mares, Green Mountain Maid and Lady 
Yernon, mile heats, three in five in harness, for a purse of 
$1,000. This Green Mountain Maid was considered one of the 
greatest opponents Flora had ever before met. She had 
already beaten several of the best trotters then on the Ameri- 
can turf ; but the race resulted in a victory for Flora, winning 
easily in three straight heats in 2.33, 2.33^, and 2.33J. 

Flora trotted, altogether, twenty-one races in 1853, winning 
seventeen of them. She also beat all the horses that beat her, 
and beat them more times than they defeated her. In 1854 
she was purchased by D. L. Pettee of New York city, and who 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 207 

at that time owned Lady Brooks, and these mares he drove at 
Newport the season of 1854, at that celebrated sea-side resort. 

Late in the season Flora was matched against the brown 
gelding, Mac, for $1,000, mile heats, three in five, in harness. 
Mac was a Maine bred horse, a descendant of Maine Messenger, 
and was considered at that time as good as the best. But on 
the 5th of October Flora beat him with ease in three straight 
heats. On the 18th of the same month, October, 1854, Flora 
trotted a match for $2,000, mile heats, three in five, in harness, 
against Jack Waters, a bay gelding by Old Abdallah. This 
race was on the Centerville course, Flora winning with ease. 

Flora Temple was then purchased by James McMann, 
Her first appearance as the property of her new owner was at 
the Union course on May T, 1855, in a match for $2,000, mile 
heats, three in five, against the famous mare, Sontag. It Avas 
to wagons and drivers of 300 pounds. 

Sontag was a gray mare by Harris's Hambletonian. Son- 
tag won the race in three straight heats, best time 2.31. 
Flora was next matched to trot twenty miles in an hour to 
a wagon for $5,000. The onl}^ horse that had ever accom- 
plished this feat at all was Trustee, and his performance was in 
harness ; consequently, this was considered at the time by the 
best judges a foolhardy match for her; and it proved to be, 
for she lost it. 

Flora's next race was at Boston, Mass., over the Cambridge 
course against the black gelding Lancet — a son of Vermont 
Black Hawk — for a match of $3,000, mile heats in harness. 
She beat him in two heats. This was June 26, 1855. On July 
6th she trotted a race in two-mile heats to wagon with Sontag 
for $2,000. In this race she was driven by Hiram Woodruff, 
and won easily in two heats; time, 5.07, 5.07. 

Flora's next race was against Lady Franklin, a roan mare 
from Maine, two-mile heats, to wagons, for $2,000. This was 
over the Centerville course, September 11th; Flora won the 
race in two heats ; best time, 5.11^. 

Flora's last race of the season of 1855 took place over the 



208 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

Centerville course on the ITth of October against Hero, the 
pacer, for $2,000, two-mile heats ; she in harness, the pacer to 
wagon. Flora won in three heats; best time, 4.57. 

The next two years were principally distinguished by her 
contests with Lancet, in which she took the lion's share of the 
prizes. She also defeated Taconey, Chicago Jack, Ethan Allen, 
and others, thereby reducing her record to 2.24^. 

In 1858 she was sold to Wm, McDonald of Baltimore for 
$8,000, and during that year secured thirteen victories without 
a single defeat. 

In 1859, October 15th, in a race against Honest Anse and 
Princess at Kalamazoo, Mich., Flora trotted a mile in 2.191, 
which created the most intense excitement among trotting 
turfmen all over the country. 

Flora's first race in 1860 was against the stallion George 
M. Patchen for $1,000, mile heats, three in five, in harness, 
over the Union course. Flora was the winner in the first 
heat by a throatlatch, in 2.21 ; the second in 2.24, and the 
third in 2.21i 

Hiram Woodruff remarked at the time that this was the 
best race that Flora had ever made. She also won in several 
other very important races during the season of 1860, without 
lowering her record. 

In 1861 it was difficult for her to get engagements, but at 
length a new candidate, John Morgan, put in an appearance. 
Flora beat him in a mile race in 2.24^ and in a two-mile race 
in 4.52^. This was Flora's last race. Her owner, Mr. Mc- 
Donald, sympathizing with the Rebellion, she was confiscated 
by the government in 1861. 

After the death of Mr. McDonald in 1864, she was pur- 
chased by Mr. Welch of Chestnut Hill of Penn., for $8,000. 

The last tmie that Flora ever appeared in public was when 
Gen, Grant reviewed the great trotters on Dubois track in 
1869. She showed well then, but afterwards, her hind legs 
failing, she was retired to the stud. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

OLD-TIME TROTT'EHS— Continued. 

Ethan Allen — Color and description — Breeding — A natural-born trotter — 
Eighteen years on the trotting turf — His great race against Dexter in 
1867 — Crowned King of the Morgans — Success in the stud — His 
death in 1876 — Ethan Allen in memoriam. Goldsmith Maid — Her 
breeding and pedigree — Sold at eight years for $350 — Sold in 1870 
(when thirteen years old) for $35,000 — Her races in 1871 — In 1874 she 
lowered the trotting record of the world to 2.14 — Trotted in 2.14 at 
twenty years old — Retired to breeding stucJin 1876 — Goldsmith Maid 
in memoriam. 

ETHAN ALLEN. 

ETHAISr ALLEN, whose fame as a trotting stallion was 
co-extensive with that of the American trotting horse 
for a score of years, was a beautiful bay in color with three 
white feet and a small star and snip. He stood fifteen hands 
and a half inch in height and was one of the most beautiful 
fast trotting horses ever exhibited on the American turf. 

He was foaled in 1849, the property of J. W. Holcomb of 
Ticonderoga, ]S^. Y. He was sired by Black Hawk, son of 
Sherman Morgan, by Justin Morgan. His dam was a flea- 
bitten gray mare, a famous roadster bred in Vermont and 
sired by a Morgan horse called Robin and tracing to Justin 
Morgan. 

Ethan Allen was a natural-born trotter, and trotted from 
his colthood up. His training for the turf commenced when 
but little more than a year old ; and he appeared upon the 
trotting turf every year from two years to twenty years of 
age. 

He was a most perfect horse and never required any of the 
artificial appliances so much in vogue at the present time, such 
as weights, boots, hobbles, etc. When young he was a remark- 
ably handsome horse ; high-headed and stylish, and when he 
14 (209) 



210 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

was twenty years old he would pass In general appearance for 
an eight-year old. 

When three years old he made a record in harness of 2.36, 
and later he distanced George M. Patchen in 2.28, and was the 
first stallion in the known world to trot a mile in less than 
2.30. 

As a trotter in harness his fastest race record was 2.26^. 
But his greatest turf reputation was made by his trotting per- 
formance with running mate. His great race against Dexter 
on the Fashion course, L. I., June 21, 1867, driven by Dan 
Mace, when he trotted fairly and squarely without weight or 
boot, a mile in 2.15 — which record at that time had never be- 
fore been equaled — caused a great sensation in the trotting 
world and crowned him, not only king of Morgans, but king 
of all trotting stallions up to that time. 

In the stud he was quite successful as a sire of fast trotters ; 
among his get were such noted flyers of their day as Billy 
Barr, 2.23| ; Hotspur, 2.24 ; Pocahontas, 2.26f ; Fanny Allen, 
2.28i ; Fanny Lee, 2.29^ ; "Warwick, 2.29i ; Washington Irving, 
Honest Allen, the great Daniel Lambert, etc. 

Ethan Allen was finally purchased by Sprague and Aikers 
for their "Kansas Stock Farm" near Lawrence, Kan., as a 
stock horse, and there he died on Sept. 10, 1876, in the twenty- 
eighth year of his age. 

Having previously mentioned this noted horse in Morgan 
horses (Chapter YII) I will here add to what I have here- 
tofore said, the following : 

ETHAN ALLEN. 

In tnemoriam,. 
On Ethan's grave, in Kansas soil, 

The grass is growing green ; 
While Ethan's deeds to memory's call 

Are fresh to all, I ween. 

No other stallion of his day 

Could with this horse compare, 
For style and action all will say, 

With speed and beauty rare. 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 211 

King of Morgans, beautiful horse; 

Admired and loved by all; 
People's pet, and pride of the course, 

He always had the call. 

O beautiful Morgan stallion! 

Perfection in thy day; 
Still remembered by the million. 

As hero in the fray. 

GOLDSMITH MAID. 

Goldsmith. Maid was a bay mare fifteen and one-quarter 
hands high with no white markings. She was bred by John 
B. Decker of Sussex Co., ]N". J., near the I^ew York State Hne, 
and foaled in May, 185 Y. She was sired by Alexander's 
Abdallah, when he was a two-year-old. 

Her dam was called " Old Abb," and was sired by Old Ab- 
dallah by Mambrino, a son of Imported Messenger ; this was 
the same horse that sired Rysdyk's Hambletonian, thus making 
the Maid an inbred Abdallah and a granddaughter of the " old 
rat-tail " (on side of dam), and a great granddaughter on the 
side of the sire. 

She, like many of the Abdallahs, had rather an ungovern- 
able disposition and was not broken to harness until some five 
years old; she was more than a handful for most drivers. 
When eight years old Mr. Decker sold her for $350, parting 
with her without regret. Her purchaser, soon tiring of a mare 
that he could not drive, soon bartered or " swapped " her oif 
to Alden Goldsmith, who thought he detected signs of speed 
in her, for the equivalent of $750. 

This gentleman gave her the name by which she was ever 
afterwards known, that of Goldsmith Maid. He at once set at 
the work of developing her speed, and in her eight-year-old 
form in 1865, she trotted her maiden race and won in three 
straight heats, getting a record of 2.36. With this race mod- 
estly began that career which afterwards caused the entire 
trotting world to hold up astonished hands. 

In 1866 she trotted two races, winning both, and reducing 



212 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

her record to 2.30. She won six victories in 186Y before pass- 
ing into the hands of Budd Doble, who bought her, in com- 
pany with Barney Jackson, in October, 1867, for the sum of 
$20,000, and he afterwards trained her and piloted her in 
nearly all her victories. 

She was purchased in the spring of 1870 by Henry N. 
Smith of IS'ew York for $35,000, but who wisely left her in 
the hands of Doble, who, it is said, had become as closely 
identified with her as Alexander Avith Bucephalus or Dick 
Turpin with Black Bess. 

Doble won one race with her in 1867 and she commenced 
the campaign of 1868 with a record of 2.28. That year she 
trotted twelve races, winning eight and being beaten twice by 
American Girl and once by George Palmer. A very memor- 
able race of hers was won this year when she achieved a vic- 
tory over Rhode Island, Silas Rich, American Girl, and others 
at Bujffalo, on which event there was an immense amount of 
money staked and in which she lowered her record to 2.24|-, 
afterwards dropping it, during that season, to 2.22^. 

In 1869 she was busy ; she trotted eighteen races, only 
eight of which were victorious. American Girl and Lady 
Thorne each beat her five times. The little mare was now 
traveling only in the fastest company. August 12, 1869, she 
won at Buffalo against American Girl and George Palmer in 
2.19f and 2.19i and 2.191, thus placing her on record as win- 
ning the first three consecutive heats in a race ever won by 
one horse, and all under 2.20. 

She emerged from the campaign of 1869 with the record of 
2.19^^. In 1870 she trotted twelve races and was only beaten 
once, by Lady Thorne. This year she gained the highest 
niche in the temple of trotting fame by scoring the fastest heat 
on record, 2.17. Dexter, with a record of 2.17i, had held this 
honor since 1867 ; this the Maid eclipsed at Milwaukee, Sep- 
tember 6, 1871. 

This year she trotted fourteen races and was uniformly 
victorious, and fairly earned the crown accorded her as Queen 



OLD-TIME TROTTEKS, ^13 

of the Trotting Turf. In 1872 she trotted eleven races, win- 
ning eight, and lowering her record to 2.16f at Boston. In 
1873 she was distanced by Lucy in the first heat of her first 
race at Cleveland, owing to an accident, but she subsequently 
won ten races. 

In 1874 her career was one of triumph, Avinning seventeen 
races and only losing two trials against time. 

At East Saginaw, Mich., July 16th, she lowered her record 
to 2.16^ in a second heat and 2.16 in a third heat. At Buffalo, 
August 7th, it was further reduced to 2.15^ ; at Rochester, 
August 12th, to 2.14f, and at Boston, September 2d, to 2.14, 
This record she held for many years as the fastest trotting 
record of the world. 

In 1875 she only trotted six races, and was beaten once by 
Lula, daughter of Alexander's Korman, at Rochester, which 
was a memorable event, but she reversed the tables at Utica. 

She was now eighteen years old, had earned immense 
amounts of money, and her owner decided to retire her from 
the turf, but changed his mind, and she made a most glorious 
campaign in 1876, the twentieth year of her life and the thir- 
teenth j^^ear on the turf ; again trotting in 2.14. Beaten once 
by Smuggler she beat him three times. At the close of the 
season this wonderful mare held the world's records as follows : 
The fastest heat, the fastest second heat, the fastest third heat, 
the fastest fifth heat, the fastest sixth heat, the fastest two con- 
secutive, three consecutive, and four consecutive heats, and the 
fastest time on a half-mile track ; and she had trotted fourteen 
heats in 2.15 and better. 

She was then retired to the Fashion Stock Farm, belonging 
to her owner, Mr. Smith, near Trenton, IST. J,, in the fall of 
1876, when in the twenty-first year of her age. She distin- 
guished herself there as a brood mare and died in 1885, full of 
honors. 



214 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

GOLDSMITH MAID. 

In Memoriam. 

" She has gone to her grave, but we ne'er can forget her. 
The marvelous Maid with a mark of fourteen ; 

In the ranks of the flyers we'll ne'er find a better. 
For a gamer or faster there never was seen. 

" As we think of the track and read its full story, 
Her name and her fame shall have the first place ; 

Her trots and her triumphs are hers, and its glory ; 
She was Queen of the Turf and Queen of her race. 

" Some may smile and say that others have beaten 
The records she made in the fights that are past ; 

But her's was no holiday battle, I reckon ; 

They were genuine contests from first to the last. 

" Yes, we'll say in remembrance, there ne'er was a better, 

A faster or gamer there never was seen ; 
She has left us forever, but we ne'er can forget her. 

The marvelous Maid with a mark of fourteen." 

From The Horseman. 



CHAPTER XXY. 

OLD-TIME TROTTIIRS. — Continued. 

George M. Patchen — Foaled 1849 — Pedigree — Distanced by Ethan Allen 
in 1858 — Unfinished race with Flora Temple in 1859 — Defeated 
Ethan Allen in 1860 — His last race with Flora Temple — Sire of the 
campaigners George M. Patchen, Jr., and Lucy — Died in 1864 — 
George Wilkes, 2.22, founder of the Wilkes family — Pedigree — Raised 
by hand — First name Robert FuUingham — Defeated Ethan Allen in 
1862, winning |10,000 — Defeated Lady Thome in 1868 — Died in 
Kentucky in 1882, aged twenty-six years — Roll of honor. 

GEORGE M. PATCHEN. 

GEORGE M. PATCHEN, 2.23i, was foaled in 1849 ; bred 
by H. F. Sickles of Monmouth. County, New Jersey. 
His sire was Cassius M. Clay, by Henry Clay, son of Andrew 
Jackson. His dam was a fine road mare by Head-em, a son 
of Imported Trustee. He was a powerful, brown horse, sixteen 
hands high, of great strength and much bone. He was coarse 
about the head, and, although he was what might be called a 
plain horse, his points — though uncommonly strong — were 
good, coupled with good trotting action. 

He made his debut on the public trotting turf of the Union 
course, Long Island, October 28, 1858, to trot against Ethan 
Allen, but he was distanced by the little Morgan king in the 
first heat in 2.28. 

In 1859, on May 9th, on the Union course, he defeated Pilot 
in 2.32|. On June 21, 1859, on the same track, he fought out 
a desperate contest with Lady Woodruff and Brown Dick of 
six heats, in which the Lady conquered. But six days after, at 
the same place, he defeated both the Lady and Brown Dick, 
two-mile heats, in S.Oli, and the next day defeated the Lady 
again. 

Over this same course, on July Tth, he defeated Brown Dick 

(215) 



216 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

and Miller's Damsel in 2.26i, 2.26^, 2.28|, and 2.29. Brown 
Dick took the third and fourth heats. 

His next race was on October 17th, when, at the Eclipse 
course, he was defeated by Brown Dick, but three da3^s after- 
w^ards Patchen distanced him in a second heat in 2.28. He 
then trotted two races each with Lancet and Brown Dick, win- 
ning one from each of them. 

He then made bold to engage with Flora Temple (then at 
the zenith of her fame), at the Union course on November 21st. 
The mare won the first two heats in 2.28 and 2.23, with 
Patchen " close up " in each case. In the third heat, although 
Flora was the first under the wire in 2.24, the heat was given 
the stallion because of alleged unfairness and running of the 
mare. Darkness then coming on, the race was postponed and 
was never finished. 

In 1860, May 16th, at the Union course, he defeated Ethan 
Allen in harness in 2.25, 2,24, and 2,29, and on the 23d, seven 
days after, he defeated him to wagons in 2.26i, 2.27, and 2.31. 

His race with Flora Temple drew the attention of the whole 
country to him. In his great race with her on June 6, 1860, 
he proved himself a remarkable trotter, and he trotted one of 
the quarters in a heat better than 34 seconds, and gave Flora 
Temple one of the best races and one of the most hard-fought 
races of her life. 

His last race with Flora was at Corning, October 31, 1860. 
He was then retired to the stud, and died in 1864. He was the 
sire of several good and fast trotters in their day, among which 
was that great campaigner Lucy, 2.18^, and George M. Patchen, 
Jr., 2.27, etc. 

GEORGE * WILKES. 

George Wilkes, founder of the great Wilkes family of 
American trotters, was a brown horse with one white hind foot. 
He was foaled in 1856, the property of Col. Felter of Green- 
wood Lake, Orange Cour^y, N. Y. His sire was Kysdyk's 
Hambletonian and his dam, Dolly Spanker — a celebrated road 
mare of her day whose speed was never developed on the turf. 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 217 

She was an animal of great courage and wonderful endurance, 
and possessed natural speed enough to pull a wagon a 3.30 gait. 
She was undoubtedly a mare of good breeding, although her 
pedigree could never be established. She died foaling her first 
colt — George "Wilkes — and he was at first a puny -looking 
little fellow. It seemed doubtful if he were worth the effort of 
raising by hand, but after a little stimulant in the shape of 
whisky weakened and sweetened, he gained strength enough to 
partake of a little cow's milk, and was brought up with that as 
his principal food. 

Although quite small at birth he grew up to be a finely- 
shaped, compact, hardy animal, about fifteen hands high at the 
withers and somewhat higher behind, with a muscular develop- 
m.ent of loins, quarters, and gaskins that could not be surpassed, 
and which gave him a propelling power that enabled him to 
successfully compete with the best trotters of his day. When 
in his prime he was a good model of a horse, and as pure gaited 
a trotter as ever stepped on the track. 

The development of his speed commenced at quite an early 
age. He won his first race at Fashion, L. I., August 1, 1861, 
where he trotted under the name of Robert Fullingham (by 
which he was known for several years during his turf career). 

September 10, 1862, he defeated the renowned stallion, 
Ethan Allen, over the above course in straight heats ; time, 
2.241, 2.25f, and 2.31, winning a purse of $10,000. June 2, 
1863, he defeated Rockingham to harness over the Fashion 
course, and a week later beat the same horse to saddle ; best 
time, 2.24. 

At Philadelphia, October 10, 1863, he defeated Lancet, a 
son of Yermont Black Hawk, to harness, distancing him in the 
second heat, which was trotted in 2.24. This was the last race 
which he won under the name of Robert Fullingham. 

Over the Union course, Long Island, October 26, 1865, he 
defeated Commodore Yanderbilt to harness, and November 6th 
of the same year he beat him again in a race to wagons. June 
8, 1868, he beat the famous trotting more. Lady Thorne, over 



218 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 



the same track in straight heats ; best time, 2.25; and six days 
after beat her to wagons at the same place in straight heats ; 
time, 2.27, 2.25, and 2.25f. 

During his trotting career he also beat the noted trotters. 
Ehode Island, 2.23i, Lucy, 2.18, and American Girl, 2.16^. 
His record, 2.22, was made in a race trotted at l^arragansett 
Park, R. I., October 13, 1868, against Rhode Island and Duroc 
Prince. 

Having had the honor of occupying a position in the judge's 
stand on this occasion, I know that his record at that time was 
by no means considered to be the limit of his speed. I was 
confident that had he " been sent " for all that was in him at 
the time, he could have lowered it some three or four seconds. 
During his trotting career he won twenty-seven races, getting 
$50,150 in purses. In all he won fifty-six heats in 2.30 or bet- 
ter. In the stud he imparted his natural trotting qualities and 
his own resolute will to his offspring to a degree seldom equaled 
by any other trotting sire. 

And by so doing he placed himself at the head of the great 
Wilkes family of American trotters, which may be justly con- 
sidered as among the leading speed-producing families of the 
world. 

George Wilkes died in Kentucky in 1882, at the age of 
twenty-six years. 

The following is a list of his sons and daughters, with their 
records, also the dams of the following trotters : 



GEORGE WILKES, 519, SIRE OF 



Harry Wilkes, 


. 2.13ii 


Tom Rogers, 


. 2.20 


Brignoli Wilkes, . 


. 2.141^ 


Albert France, . 


. 2.2014 


Guy Wilkes, 


. 2.151^ 


Lumps, 


. 2.21 


Wilson, 


. 2.I6V4" 


May Bird, . 


. 2.21 


J. B. Richardson, 


. 2.16M 


Ambassador, 


. 2.2II4 


So So, . 


. 2.171.1 


Kentucky Wilkes, 


. 2.214 


Baron Wilkes, 


. 2 18 


Early Dawn, 


. 2.211^ 


Rosa Wilkes, 


. 2.181^ 


Brown Wilkes, . 


. 2.2i3|: 


Joe Bunker, 


. 2.1914 


Gen. Wilkes, 


. 2.213^ 


Gambetta Wilkes, 


. 2.19M 


King Wilkes, 


. 2.224 


Wilton, 


. 2.19M 


Ellerslie Wilkes, , 


. 2.221^ 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 



219 



Jimmy Temple (p. 2.23i^), 2.223^ 


Daisy Wilkes, 


. 2.30 


Bob's Jug, . 


. 2.223^ 


Kitty Wilkes, 


. 2.30 


Lizzie Wilkes, 


. 2 223^ 


Bud Crooke, p , . 


. . 2.15^ 


Sister Wilkes, 


. 2.223^ 


Wilcox, p , . 


. 2.1634 


Alcantara, . 


. 2.23 


Flora Wilkes, p., 


. . 2.191^ 


Nelly L., . 


. 2.231^ 


Prophet Wilkes, p.. 


. 3213^ 


Prospect Maid, . 


. 2.231-1 


Honesty, p.. 


. 2.22 


Magna Wilkes, . 


. 2.23)^ 


Pilot Wilkes, p., 


. 2.23 


Sherman, 


. . 2 23>^ 


Sir Wilkes, p , . 


. 2.243^ 


Queen Wilkes, 


. 2.233^ 


and dams 


Df 


Favorite Wilkes, . 


. 2.241^ 


Delmarch, . 


. . 2.111^ 


Rowena, 


. 2.24J^ 


Keeler, 


. 2.1314 


Wilkes Boy, 


. 2.241^ 


Advertiser, . 


. 2.151^ 


Blondine, 


. 2.24M 


Waco, . 


. 2.161^ 


Madison Wilkes, . 


. 2 243;^ 


Celaya, 3, . 


. 2.171c 


Isaac, . 


. 2.25K 


Blake, 8, 


. 2.183^ 


Onward, 


. 2.25K 


Frank Jones, 


. 2.1914 


Favorita, 


. 2 253^ 


Fugue, 


. 2.191^ 


Abbie, . 


. 2.26 


Globard, 


. 2.191^ 


Defender, 


. 2.26 


Butterfly, . : 


. 2.19^ 


Fanny Wilkes, . 


. 2.261^ 


All So, 


. 2.20.1^ 


Georgiana, . 


. 2.261^ 


Barclay, 


. 2.201^ 


Richard Wilkes, . 


. 2 261^ 


El Banecia, . 


. 2.203^ 


Mike Wilkes (p. 2.15^ 


). . 2.261^ 


Glenview Belle, , 


. 2.20^ 


Florence Elmore, 


. 2.263^ 


Ignis Fatuus, 


. 2.201^ 


Alcyone, 


. 2.27 


Julia H., s. t. b.. 


. 2.201^ 


St. Gothard, 


. 2.27 


Pilgrim, 


. 2.20^^ 


Tennessee Wilkes, 


. 2.27 


Eagle Bird, . 


. 2.21 


Howard, 


. 2.271^ 


Axminster, . 


. 2.2134 


Anglin, 


. 2.27K 


Jubilant, 


. 2.22 


Cuba, . 


. 2.2734- 


Fortuna, 


. 2.22 


Ira Wilkes (p. 2.223^), 


. 2.28 


Marea, 


. 2.22 


Simmins, 


. 2.281^ 


Orania, 3, . 


. 2.22 


Willie Wilkes, . 


. 2.28 


Wilksie G., . 


. 2.22K 


Young Wilkes, . 


. 2.28 


Ferguson Wilkes, 


. 2.23 


Black Wilkes, 


. 2.283^ 


Wilkesbrino, 


. 2.23 


Kaiser, 


. 2.28^ 


Nettle Leaf, 


. 2.233^ 


Mambrino Wilkes, 


. 2.283^ 


Silver Edge, 


. 2.231^ 


Miss Wilkes, 


. 2.29 


Jacobin, 


. 2.233^ 


Busby, 


. 2.291^ 


Wilkeswood, 


. 2.233^ 


Empire Wilkes, . 


. 2.2914 


Wardship, . 


. 2.233^ 


Jeff Wilkes, 


. 2.291^ 


Banquet, 


. 2.24 


The King, . 


. 2293^ 


Count Princeps, . 


. 2.24 


Bonnie Wilkes, . 


. 2.29K 


Noblesse, 


. 2.24 


Patchen Wilkes, . 


; 2.293^ 


Billy Thornhill, . 


. 2.241^ 


Sealskin Wilkes, . 


. 2.291^ 


Welbeck, 3, 


. 2.241^ 


Carrie, . 


. 2.293^ 


Chatsworth, 


. 2.243^ 


Alicia, . 


. 2.30 


W^oodboy, . 


. 2.25 



220 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 



Twinkle, .... 2.25^4 

Daisy N., . . . . 2.25i^ 

Pygmalion, .... 2.25)^ 

Bon Bon, . . . . 2 26 

France, . . . . 2,26 

San Malo, .... 2.26i^ 

Queen Wilkes, . . . 2.263^ 

Bellerene, .... 2.26?^ 

Decorah, .... 2265^ 

Balzarine 2.27 

Kate Wilton, . . . 2.27 
Wilkesmont, . . .2.27 

Tennyson, .... 2.27i^ 

Wild Olive, .... 2.273^ 

Tilliers, 3, . . . . 2.273^ 
Eectitude, . . . .2.28 

Kingmoor 2.28)^ 

Eeve So, . . . . 2.281^ 

Adora, . . . . 2;28i^ 

Moonstone, . . . . 2.28)^ 

Wilkesview, . . . 2.283^ 

Al B , 2.283^ 

Bonnie Nutwood, . . 2.29^^ 

Castalia 2.2914 

€eorge Willis, . . 2.29i^ 



Rajah, . 


. 2.291^ 


Bonny Bon, 


. 2.293^ 


Breadwinner, 


. 2.293^ 


Cliastelard, . 


. 2.29M 


Newcomb, . 


. 2.293^ 


Clifton Boy, 


. 2.30 


Col. Young, 


. 2.30 


Jack Dawson, 


. 2.30 


Pastoral, 


. 2.30 


Manager, p., 


. 2.063^ 


Direction, p.. 


. 2.101.^ 


Galileo Rex, p., . 


. 2.123^ 


Great Heart, p., . 


. 2.1314 


Volula, p., . 


. 2 15 


Wilkie Russell, p.. 


. 2.15 


Nutpine, p.. 


. 2.151^ 


Anna Dickinson, p.. 


. 2.15K 


Satrap, p., . 


. 2.19K 


Bay Baron, p., . 


. 2.193^ 


LaClede, p.. 


. 2.214 


Ivlonte, p., . 


. 2.2314 


David Wilkes, 


. 2.24 


Vandal Wilkes, p., 


. 2.24 


Wilkes Nutwood, p., . 


. 2.243^ 


Burlock, p., 


. 2.25 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

OLD TIME TROTTERS. — Concluded. 

Dexter, place of breeding and pedigree — Recognized "king of the trotting 
turf " — Commenced turf career in 1864 and ended in 1867 — His great, 
race with Ethan Allen — General Grant's ride after Dexter — Died in. 
1888 aged thirty years — American Girl — Birth and pedigree — Sold 
for $3,500 — A great race winner — Died in harness — Monument 
erected to her memory. 

DEXTER. 

IE" April, 1858, at the farm of Jonathan Hawkins, in Orange 
county, E". J., the black mare Clara by Seeley's American 
Star, a rapid and gamy road mare, dropped to the cover of 
Hambletonian, a brown colt with four white feet and legs and 
a white face, which was, in due time, gelded, and at the age of 
four years was purchased by George B. Alley of Kew York 
city. He was then christened Dexter and placed in the hands- 
of that veteran trainer, Hiram Woodruff, for development. 
His speed came to him quickly, and in a few years he was; 
recognized as king of the trotting turf. 

John Murphy rode him in his saddle race when he beat the 
2.19f of Flora Temple, but Budd Doble drove him in nearly 
all of his memorable contests. The first time he met Gold- 
smith Maid was at Middletown in 1867, and he easily defeated 
her. 

After this he beat her in faster time, as he also did such 
prominent performers as General Butler, George Wilkes, Lady 
Thorne, George M. Patchen, Jr Silas Rich, Tacke}?", and 
Bashaw, Jr. 

He began his turf career in 1864 and ended it in 1867. In 
three years he had conquered the Avorld and w^as retired for 
the reason that there were no more honors to be won. 

His record of 2.17i was made at Buffalo, August 14, 1867> 
and Mr. Bonner bought him for $35,000. 

(221) 



222 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

If he had beaten Ethan Allen in his great race with him 
June 21st, the same season, then Mr. Bonner would have given 
$40,000 for him. 

Although Dexter did not win this race when Ethan Allen 
trotted in 2.15 without a break, Commodore Yanderbilt and 
others timed him separately a mile in 2.16. 

This 21st day of June, 1867, was a great day in the annals 
of the history of the American trotting turf, when Ethan 
Allen was crowned the king of trotting stallions. Among 
those who were on the track that day and applauded the effort 
of Dexter, but who are now gathered with the dead, are 
Oeorge B. Alley, Shepperd F. Knapp, Com. Yanderbilt, Wm. 
H. Yanderbilt, E. S. Sanford, Chas. J. Foster, "Wm. M. 
Eysdyk, Thomas Martin, Alden Goldsmith, Capt. Eynders, 
Oeorge C. Hall, Com. Dodge, Lew. Potter, Peter Dubois, John 
Morrissey, Dan Mace, Dan Pfeiffer, and many others. 

The Avhite-legged king lingered on the stage long after 
many of his admirers had stepped from it. 

General Grant and Henry Ward Beecher each enjoyed a 
ride behind him after he had passed into the stables of Mr. 
Bonner. 

If horses have a hereafter, and the proud spirit of Dexter 
crossed to the unseen shore after it left the worn tenement of 
clay, how royal must have been his welcome from those who 
were taught in earth's pilgrimage to extol pluck and prowess. 

Just after his election to the presidency, but before his in- 
auguration. General Grant rode out with Mr. Bonner, In 
passing through the park Dexter was startled by a man trim- 
ming trees, and the jump he made frightened the stolid soldier 
of the Wilderness more, for the moment, than he had ever 
been frightened by the roar of battle. On the way back to 
the stable Mr. Bonner handed General Grant the lines, and the 
old soldier-horseman was delighted with the resolute action of 
the trotting king. Ehringer's famous picture " Taking the 
Heins " was based upon this incident, and every figure in it is 
a portrait. 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 223 

For some time it was quite the fashion for distinguished 
men visiting the city of New York to seek the opportunity of 
riding behind this world-renowned gelding; and for a time he 
was, undoubtedly, the best known horse that ever lived. 

Dexter became quite cranky in his old age, and for years 
before his death he seemed to delight in frightening the timid 
who called upon him in his box. He would come at them with 
ears laid back and mouth wide open, but if one stood his ground 
he was soon all right again. He was just thirty years old 
when he died, April 21, 1888. 

AMERICAN GIEL. 

American Girl, 2. 16 J, was a bay mare foaled in 1862, bred 
by Philip Travis of Peekskill, IST. Y. Her sire was Cassius M. 
Clay, Jr., and her dam a sorrel mare about fifteen and one-half 
hands high with one hind foot of a conspicuous white and a 
stripe in her face of the same color. This dam had a clean cut 
expression indicating intelligence, and her general make-up in- 
dicated her to bs a thoroughbred or closely allied to that 
breed ; and it was generally believed at Dansville, Va., where 
she was raised and owned until near the time of the breaking 
out of the civil war, that she was an immediate descendant of 
Old Boston. 

This mare had run several races at Dansville previous to 
coming north, and was held in high esteem by her owner, 
Wright Travis, who, being a northern man, was, on account of 
his political views, most emphatically requested by a special 
committee to vacate that section of the country. So, as the 
climate of Yirginia was getting altogether too hot for him, he 
concluded to accept the invitation to " move on " without 
much parley or delay ; consequently he with his family and 
some personal effects, it is said, became a " mover." He went 
toward the north pole drawn by a sorrel mare with her sorrel 
mate and a bay gelding as a spare horse ; his destination was 
his old home at Peekskill on the Hudson, IST. Y. 

When Philadelphia was reached, the funds becoming low, 



224 OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 

the bay horse was sold to help pay the expenses of the journey, 
which was then continued with the two sorrel mares. On his 
arrival at the old homestead Wright Travis needed money, and 
so to his stay-at-home, well-to-do brother Philip he sold this 
mare, under consideration. Philip owned and occupied a large 
farm near by and concluded to raise a colt from this Virginia 
mare so highly esteemed by his brother Wright, so he sent her 
across the Hudson to be bred to the horse before mentioned, — 
Cassius M. Clay. The result of this was that in May, 1862, she 
dropped the worst-looking, crooked-legged filly that ever was 
foaled in that vicinity ; at least as far back as the memory of 
" the oldest inhabitant " went. 

She was so loose-jointed, weak-gaited, and queer that in her 
foalhood she was valued by her owner (at weaning time) at 
$10, although good horses were in demand at that time at very 
good prices. 

About this time Philip's son, Eugene, enlisted for three 
years in the cavalry service commanded by General Kilpatrick ; 
when he returned home, after these three years had expired, 
he found that the big, awkward filly of three years Avas the 
" boss of the ranch," and utterly refused to be ridden or driven. 
His father told him that if he would break her he could have a 
half interest in her ; he accepted the offer, and, being a cavalry 
man, quietly went to work to break her under the saddle. 
After a hard struggle he finally succeeded in doing this. At 
this rate of going she could trot a 2.45 gait after a few weeks' 
handling. After this she was hitched up with the best horse 
in the neighborhood and could beat her companion quite easily. 
Then she was matched to go under the saddle in a race against 
the Odel gray mare to a sulky ; the big, green filly captured 
the race quite easily. 

After this she was sold to Cj^rus Travis and Henry Odel, — 
the owner of the gray mare, — for $1,500. They sold her that 
fall to Henry Mason, Morris Dykeman, John Carey, and 
Philip O'Brien for $3,500. When put in training by these 
parties she soon became the Queen of the Hudson, and her 



OLD-TIME TROTTERS. 225 

reputation reaching the ear of that noted sportsman, William 
Lovell, he bought her for $7,000. 

After this " she came into competition with such racers and 
campaigners as Goldsmith Maid, Lady Thorne, and Lucy, and 
was among the first to lower the colors of the then great Occi- 
dent in his own state. She won for her owner, in many races, 
thousands of dollars, and finally died in the harness on the race 
track at Elmira, N. Y., where a monument to her memory has 
been erected at a cost of thousands of dollars. 

It has been said of her that a more honest race-mare never 
entered a trotting race. 



15 



CHAPTEK XXYII. 

THE FIVE GREAT TROTTING BROOD MARES OF THE WORLD. 
Green Mountain Maid — Dam of nine in 2.30 list — Two in 2.20 — Also one 
with a record of 2 20f — Dam of the great Electioneer with 155 trotters 
in the list — Her pedigree — Beautiful Bells' pedigree — Dam of seven 
in 2 30 list — Dam of sixteen foals — Miss Russell, pedigree — Dam of 
nineteen foals — Dam of Maud S., 2 08f, etc. — Canadian blood mixed 
with thoroughbred in pedigree — Dolly, pedigree — Dam of three 
great sires — Dam of Czarina — Object lesson for breeders — Alma 
Mater — Pedigree — Dam of eight 2.30 trotters — Dam of Alcantara — 
A positive breeder. 

THE five greatest trotting brood mares of ttie world are as 
follows : 

Gkeen Mountain Maid, holding precedence over all others 
by virtue of being the dam of nine in the 2.30 list, two of 
which have trotted in 2.20, while another has a record of 2.20|. 
She has, with. justice, been denominated as "the great mother 
of trotters." 

Her life was a long one and was mostly spent in the pad- 
docks of Stony Ford ; and in the long list of her foals there are 
but two who were not sired by Messenger Duroc. These were 
h:)r first two, and were the bay mare Storm, 2.16f, by Middle- 
•town, foaled in 1867; and the bay horse Electioneer, foaled in 
1868, sired by Rysdyk's Hambletonian. The latter never ap- 
peared in public on the turf, and is not reckoned as one of the 
nine of his dam's produce in the 2.30 list ; but in fame his name 
outweighs all of theirs both individually and collectively. 

Green Mountain Maid was sired by Harry Clay, son of Cas- 
sius M. Clay, Jr., (20-) a lineal descendant of Imported Bel- 
founder, and her dam was a most excellent sorrel mare with 
four white legs and stripe in her face, who was bred by Gold- 
smith Coffin of Red Lion, Ohio, and sired by Iron's Cadmus by 

. (226) 



FIVE GREAT TROTTING BROOD MARES OF THE WORLD. 227 

Beach's Cadmus — a thoroughbred son of American Eclipse, 
son of Duroc by Imported Diomed. Duroc's dam was by Im- 
ported Messenger ; this mare, Shanghai Mary, was half-sister 
to the old-time pacing mare Pocahontas, 2.17|^, which she very 
much resembled, being marked exactly like her and partaking 
of the color and markings of her sire, Iron's Cadmus. 

The converted pacing stallion. Smuggler, with a trotting 
record of 2.15|- (which was the world's trotting stallion record 
for several years), was a grandson of this same horse, Iron's 
Cadmus. Consequently, when we take into consideration the 
facts in reference to this " great mother in Israel " carrying in 
her veins the blood of the old-time celebrated Fireaways of 
England (through imported Belfounder), the blood of imported 
Messenger (through his grandson, Duroc), the blood of im- 
ported Diomed (through his son Duroc and his grandson, 
American Eclipse), then we cannot for a moment dispute her 
legitimate right to have been a fast and gamy trotter herself — 
had she been trained for that purpose ; or her ability to pro- 
duce sensational or uniform speed, and her ability to breed 
on in the speed lines, through generations yet unborn. (See 
the Electioneers, Chapter X.) 

BEAUTIFUL BELLS. 

Beautiful Bells, 2.291, was a bay mare by the Moor, her 
dam being Minnehaha, by Bald Chief (Stevens), dam JN'ettie 
Clay, by C. M. Clay, Jr. (22), son of Cassius M. Clay by old 
Henry Clay. 

This mare is the dam of fifteen foals, seven of which 
have records from 2.12f to 2.30f, with three to be heard from, 
and she is again in foal. Six of the nine foals with records are 
by Electioneer. 

Miss EUSSELL. 

Miss Bussell, a gray mare by Pilot, Jr., whose dam was 
Sally Pussell by Boston. She is the dam of nineteen foals, 
seven of which have records from 2.08f — in Mauxl S. — to 2.28 
in Russia, by Harold, and own sister to Maud S., and dam of 



228 FIVE GREAT TROTTING BROOD MARES OF THE WORLD. 

the greatest of living trotting sires, Nutwood, with 134 per- 
formers in the 2.30 list. 

In the pedigree of this great mare, we find the blending of 
the northern blood of the old-time Canadian with that of the 
great American race-horse, Boston ; this latter horse being the 
greatest of his day, and the sire of the ever memorable Lex- 
ington. 

DOLLY. 

" Old Dolly " was a bay mare, foaled in 1861, sired by 
Mambrino Chief, dam Fanny by Ben Franklin — a non-stand- 
ard horse of the copper-bottom stock. She was dam of the 
three great sires, Thorndale, 2. 22 J, by Alexander's Abdallah ; 
Onward, 2.25i, by Geo. Wilkes; Director, 2.17, by Dictator 
and Czarina, 2.21, by Egbert. 

It is through the great transmitting powers of her sons that 
old Dolly's memory is kept green. 

In Dolly, the breeders of the American trotter are presented 
with an object lesson demonstrating the satisfactory results of 
the breeding of the daughters of Mambrino Chief to the sons of 
Hambletonian. 

ALMA MATER. 

This cherishing mother was a chestnut mare foaled in 18Y2 
and sired by Mambrino Patchen, dam Estella, — thoroughbred 
daughter of imported Australian. She is the dam of eight with 
records from 2.19^ to 2.30, and includes the great Alcantara 
with eighty -two in the list. This mare threw trotters to six 
different stallions, thus proving herself a positive breeder. 



CHAPTER XXAail. 

BREAKING AND TRAINING COLTS. 

Educate vs. breaking — First lesson — Bitting — Teach ' ' wJioa " — Sliort lessons 
— Reward good behavior — Hitching double — Patience required — 
Kicking — Shying — Confidence — Training for draft — Train in line. 

I HAVE, some time since, come to the conclusion that you 
do not want to " break " your colts ; you simply want to 
educate and train them. The best age to commence this is as 
soon as the foal gets up and sucks the dam, or as soon after as 
you can get time to attend to it. 

The first lesson to teach a young colt is that you do not 
wish to hurt him. The next that 3^ou are a stronger party and 
can master him. He will soon learn these two lessons and 
then you can go up to him anywhere, and when once you have 
your hand on him you can easily hold him and he will. not 
struggle to get away from jou. 

The next two lessons are to halter and lead him and teach 
him to stand tied by the halter. You may then, by kindness, 
teach him to follow you around and come at your call, by 
always awarding him for so doing with a sweet apple, a hand- 
ful of oats, or anything else as such youngsters are known to 
like. Then teach him at an early age to be handled all over, 
including the taking up of his feet, and to be curried and 
brushed. When he finds that you do not hurt him he will like 
these lessons and will always remember them. 

Next, accustom him to stand with a bag or blanket thrown 
over him. When you have taught him all of these, he is 
ready, as soon as old enough and large enough, to be bridled 
and bitted. In bitting, put a bitting rig or single harness on 
him with an open bridle ; check him up rather loosely at first 
and turn into a small paddock or yard. Do not compel your 

(229) 



230 BREAKING AND TRAINING OF COLTS. 

colt to wear the bitting gear too . long at one time, as by so 
doing it has a tendency to sour his disposition. Keep him in 
the gear just long enough each time to give him to understand 
that he cannot get clear of it and that he must give up to it ; 
and do not take it off while he is struggling to free himself 
from it, but let him fight it out and get quiet first. Always 
take it off when quiet, otherwise he may think the removal has 
been caused by his exertions to get rid of it. 

"When he has become somewhat accustomed to the bit and 
has given up fighting it, start him up a little ; always use the 
same expression, as "go on," "get up," or whatever term you 
choose to use for starting him. Practice in this way for a 
little while until he learns to start and stop at the proper com- 
mand. Then take a buggy whip, crack it or touch him lightly 
on the rump, when starting him up. Teach him the word 
" whoa " and " back " ; when he thoroughly understands all of 
this and the use of the whip, put the lines on him, running 
them back through the shaft tugs instead of the territ rings, to 
prevent his turning around, and thus teach him all about 
driving, starting, stopping, and turning. 

Make all these lessons short, and by frequent repetitions 
impress each point upon his mind. Be kind and considerate at 
all times, remembering that he is usually willing to do what is 
required of him if he understands you. Do not scold or swear 
at him. After each short lesson, give an apple or lump of 
sugar, or some delicacy of which he may be fond, as a reward 
for good behavior; it is surprising to see how soon he will 
learn to appreciate such awards or favors. Be sure you bit 
him thoroughly and practice this for some time before attempt- 
ing to drive in harness on the road. If the colt has always 
been petted and treated kindly, as he should be, and has no 
fear of man, there will be but little trouble. 

The fall after your colt is one year old, if well cared for 
and well grown, it will do to commence driving him in a light 
rig. My own method is to drive first double beside a quiet 
horse, in order to get him accustomed to the road and to sights 



BREAKING AND TRAINING OF COLTS. 231 

he may meet on the road and to give him confidence in him- 
self. 

In hitching up a colt double I always put him on the off or 
right-hand side at first, as then in meeting high loads and 
other scarey things on the road he is further from them, and 
what gives him more confidence and less fear, there is another 
horse between him and them. Another strong argument for 
thus placing him on this side is that in getting in or out on the 
near side you are less liable to frighten him, especially so if, 
by chance, you should happen to slip or stumble. 

Many a fine, highly-bred colt, for want of confidence in 
himself becomes frightened on the road from meeting strange 
and, to him, frightful things, and will try to run away from 
them ; but if balked in this, his next means of defense or pro- 
tection is to kick, which is one of the worst habits that a colt 
can possibly get into. Many a kicking horse first commenced 
the habit from fright, and not from viciousness, as many sup- 
pose. If a colt is taught what is required of him, as soon as 
he is made to understand, he usually becomes a willing sub- 
ject ; but to attempt to force him to do that which he does not 
comprehend is to excite him to resistance ; hence the many 
balky, kicking, and unruly horses. 

Yet it gives me great pleasure to know that by judicious 
breeding and handling, as has been practiced for the last two 
or three decades, we have far less of this class of horses than 
we had thirty years ago. 

In breaking and training colts strength is not as essential 
as patience, perseverance, and kindness. Kindness and gentle 
handling are the means by which a colt's confidence is gained, 
and this should be practiced from the beginning. While you 
should always treat the colt kindly, you should never play or 
fool with him, as many horses have been taught to be vicious 
in later life from having been fooled with as foals ; conse- 
quently, any attempt on the part of the animal towards undue 
familiarity should be checked at once, or the time may come 



232 BREAKING AND TRAINING OF COLTS. 

when it will find out its power, which may lead to serious re- 
sults. 

Colts contract habits very easily when improperly man- 
aged, and when a bad habit in a horse, as well as in a man, is 
once established, it becomes somewhat of a serious matter to 
eradicate it. I do not trust a colt too much when commencing- 
to drive singly, and recommend the kicking strap at first until 
full confidence is gained over the colt. When you know that he 
will not kick under any ordinary circumstances you may with 
safety leave it off. My advice is not to place too much confi- 
dence in a young colt on the road, but be very watchful and 
careful until you are quite sure you have a safe animal. 

ISText to kicking perhaps shying is the greatest evil to which 
horseflesh is heir. The inconvenience, annoyance, and ofttimes 
danger occasioned by a shying horse is anything but pleasant 
to its rider or driver. Shying in horses is undoubtedly the off- 
spring of fear. Fear is the emotion excited by suspicion, 
apprehension, appearance, or approach of danger. This may 
be termed natural timidity, giving rise to that kind of shyness 
with which colts and young animals are endowed. Another 
kind of shyness may be said to be acquired. To illustrate: A 
colt is naturally shy at any object of imposing appearance, 
novel or strange to him. On the other hand, he beholds an 
object that is familiar to him, which he associates with some 
former suffering. Shyness may also be attributed to a third 
cause — imperfect vision. A horse whose eyesight is imperfect 
IS apt to shy at objects in consequence of not seeing them per- 
fectly. The disposition to shy arising from either of the above 
causes is often increased by the acts of the driver. Our advice 
to the driver of such horses would be to keep your temper and 
save your whip. Gentleness and persuasion are by far the 
best means of breaking off this habit in your colt. Let the 
animal stand and look at the object he fears ; speak to him en- 
couragingly, and gradually he will approach it. After he has 
passed it turn him around, passing the object several times 



BREAKING AND TRAINING OF COLTS. 233 

slowly, allowing him to feel of it with his lip or smell of it, if 
practicable for him to do so, and this fear vanishes. 

By thus gently managing him he soon places confidence in 
you, and a gentle word from the driver will induce him to 
move on past the object. It is as essential for the high-bred 
road horse to have confidence in his driver as for the driver to 
have confidence in him. 

Many who claim to be familiar with the business of break- 
ing and training colts neither understand the nature of the 
colt nor the best method of subduing or training it. A 
blooded colt is a highly sensitive and intelligent animal, quick 
to learn, having memory of certain things equal to that of the 
human family, and with an intuitive knowledge that cannot 
be explained or understood. A coarse, rough man, knowing 
next to nothing of human nature, and still less of the nature 
of the horse, is no more fit to have the handling of colts than 
one whose education is acquired on the street and the saloon is 
fit to teach a district school, or the devil to preach Chris- 
tianity. 

From the first, insist that your colt walks fast, for in the 
majority of horses this is a most important gait. A bright, 
brisk walking gait will be of supreme importance in the horse 
of the future, and unless the colt is taught its worth it will 
never know it. Our horses, like our children, are largely what 
we make them by education ; and if the colts are allowed to 
drag along with heads down and move in a snail-pace, careless 
manner while being educated, they will, in many cases, be in- 
clined to continue it later on. 

Style and beauty of motion do not always spring spon- 
taneously, but are in many cases the result of careful, system- 
atic training — breeding, of course, having its full share to do 
in this case. 

As A is the first letter in our alphabet, so is " whoa " the 
first letter in the alphabet of the colt's education ; teach him to 
properly understand that one word as being most essential of 
all words to be used in his education. Kever allow a colt in 



23 i BREAKING AND TRAINING OF COLTS. 

training to get the advantage of you. The old-fashioned way 
of breaking colts, as practiced when I was a boy, was some- 
thino^ of this sort : A farmer has a colt that he thinks old 
enough and big enough to drive, and wishes to use him and de- 
sires him to be broken ; consequently, he invites his neighbors 
to help harness and drive it. It is brought out, but, ha^dng had 
no previous handling, is excited, trembling in every nerve. 
Nothing is done to give the poor beast the least intimation as 
to what is wanted of him. Three or four stout men hold him 
by the head while as many more are trying to put on the har- 
ness ; he is spoken to r.oughly ; his ears are cuffed for shaking 
his head ; the struggle continues until the colt is attached to a 
vehicle, and now the supreme moment has arrived, when, in 
spite of the combined efforts of all of these men, the colt rears 
and starts off, having things about his own way — leaving first 
the trainers and next the vehicle in his rear — and all exclaim : 
" That is a terrible colt to break." 

A colt that would not resist such treatment would not be 
worth breaking. Before touching a large, strong, unhandled 
colt, have your plans formed and a knowledge of the general 
characteristics of the animal to be handled ; he is fearful of be- 
ing hurt and must be managed accordingly. As a general rule 
he will do what is wanted of him as soon as he learns what it 
is. Another essential thing to remember is that whatever impres- 
sions are made on the brain of the colt are almost as unerase- 
able as though written on tablets of stone ; hence the impor- 
tance of making the right impressions — for, right or wrong, he 
will carry them for a lifetime. 

In training a horse for draft purposes great care should be 
taken to avoid over-loading at first. In training a horse for 
draft purposes hitch to an empty wagon at first until he gets 
fully accustomed to handling that ; then put a little, very little 
at first, load on, and gradually increase it until he becomes 
thoroughly acquainted with pulling heavy loads, and thus he 
will never know his full strength, but will consider himself 
duty-bound to pull all loads to which he may be hitched. 



BREAKING AND TRAINING OF COLTS. 235 

So of all other classes of horses ; teach and train them to 
thoroughly understand that branch of business that will be ex- 
pected of them. The training and education of the colt should 
be conducted on strictly business principles, inasmuch as an ani- 
mal intended as a draft horse does not require a race-track edu- 
cation, neither does a race horse proper require to be taught to- 
draw heavy loads. 

In educating our sons for professional and business men we 
expect to have them taught " in line" of the business or profes- 
sion decided upon at the outset. They do not need to acquire- 
the blacksmith's trade in order to preach the gospel, nor the 
arts and trickery of trade to enable them to practice medicine. 
Yet the rudiments of their education should be the same, viz.,. 
what is to be learned in our American common schools. 

This species of education is applicable alike to all classes of 
men and to all professions. "With the horse it is the same ; the 
rudiments of his education as herein taught are alike applicable 
to all breeds and all classes of horses that are to be used in 
harness. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

TRAINING FOR SPEED. 

High-bred and high-mettled most easily educated — Where to give lessons — 
Early development of speed — Watch temper and disposition — Short 
brushes — Don't overwork — Skeleton wagons — The mouth — Pulling 
— The check. 

" To those who catch the cadence 
Of the rise and fall of sound, 
There is music in the patter 
Of the hoof upon the ground." 

HORSES can be educated to the extent of their under- 
standing as well as children, and can be as easily man- 
aged or ruined by bad management. 

Horses of high mettle are more easily educated than those 
of less or dull spirits, and are, consequently, more susceptible 
to ill-training. 

The training of the trotting horse should really be com- 
m.enced from the time he is handled as a young colt, and what- 
ever encourages his tendency to make the trot his best way of 
going should be a part of his training; and therefore the 
^'natural to trot" should be improved from the very first. 
After the colt is thoroughly broken to drive singly he is ready 
to receive his first lesson in trotting. 

Such lessons may be given him on the track, street, or 
road, where smooth and level ; the track is by far the best 
place, it being morfe level, and usually much safer than either 
the road or street ; yet a good road will answer when a track 
is not conveniently accessible. 

I would never advise the training of a colt for the race 
course before it is two years old, and it then should be handled 
steadily and carefully by a trainer of judgment, for however 
well they may have been kept from birth, and however well 

(236) 



i-d 



J td 



r+-' 

to) 




TRAINING FOR SPEED. 237 

grown they may be, it should be borne in mind that their 
bones and muscles are soft and insufficient to bear the strain of 
the same work given to those of more mature age. 

The question as to whether the early development of trot- 
ting horses will have a tendency to impair their endurance in 
point of time, is one of great interest and importance. 

What I mean by early development in this case is of colts 
not less than two or three years old, and not yearlings, for rea- 
sons above given ; for in many cases which have come under 
my observation, young things — ^mere babies — have been over- 
worked, and when they begin to hitch and hobble, a good rest 
and let up would do more to restore the stroke than anything 
else. 

A colt will not attain his greatest excellence at three years 
old, or at five either, if such excellence is to be very great or 
lasting. There is nothing in nature that comes to maturity 
early and lasts long ; early maturit}'" means early decay in 
nineteen cases out of twenty. 

The temper and disposition of the prospective trotting colt 
should be carefully watched, lest, by overAvork, he becomes 
Cranky and careless as to pleasing his trainer or driver. 

Great care should be taken not to make his brushes c^ speed 
too long, but alternate them with jogging and walking. Never 
speed him more than thirty rods at first, perhaps less, all to be 
governed by the circumstances of the case. Age, condition, 
size, etc., of the colt is to be considered. 

Speed is acquired by fast and frequent brushes ; it is better 
to underwork than to overwork the colt at first ; two short les- 
sons are better than one long one. From two to four miles is 
usually a sufficient " work out " for a young beginner. 

Measure off and work him eighths until he can trot them 
fast before driving him fast for a quarter, much less a half- 
mile, as is frequently done to his detriment. If he cannot trot 
an eighth fast, he surely cannot trot a fast mile. 

Any green horse should be worked for speed on the same 



238 TEAINING FOR SPEED. 

plan as the young colt, but his work outs may be longer, say 
six miles. 

By working the colt on this plan he never becomes dis- 
tressed for breath and never becomes tired or sore. When you 
find the speed of a colt for one-eighth of a mile satisfactory, 
gradually increase the distance to a quarter ; then when he has 
performed that distance to your satisfaction another eighth 
may be added, and so on, gradually, until a mile is reached; but 
do not forget to be slow and gradual ; learn to labor and to 
wait. 

Always endeavor to teach your colt to Jinish fsbst, whatever 
the distance may be, as this is a very important item in a race, 
as the money lies in the last length to the wire. 

Watch your colt and do not overwork it; as soon as he 
shows signs of being restive or sluggish let him up a little. 
Watch for these symptoms carefully, for this is a critical time; 
if you overdo him much now it will be some time before he is 
himself again. 

The Avork must be according to his constitution, to the rate 
of his growth, and to his heartiness of feeding. He should be 
carefully watched to ascertain whether he improves or not. 

When a trotting colt often breaks his gait in his exercise, it 
is an indication that he has had too much work for his age, and 
has got or is getting sore on it. 

Don't waste any time in teaching a young colt to " break 
and catch." Remember you are teaching him to trot and not 
to "go as you please" in his races. He should be taught, if 
possible, not to break at all. In case he does break, do not 
jerk, snatch, or see-saw on the bit, but give him a square pull 
back and swing him very slightly to one side, giving him a 
chance to catch in the " cross stride." 

It is seldom necessary to use a, whip in training a nervous, 
highly-bred colt, or in driving such colts or horses in their 
races. 

After speeding him for the day loose his check and con- 
tinue walking, as a rule, until cooled off. 



TRAINING FOR SPEED. 239 

Never, in training, take a colt, foaming with sweat, to his 
stall, but cool out in walking. 

Experienced trainers, Marvin included, prefer a skeleton 
wagon to a cart or sulky for jogging young trotters. 

Our greatest and fastest trotters never reach their best 
speed until they have undergone a good deal of handling and 
training. 

Always have a light but firm hold on the reins. In all his 
work the colt should be taught to go alone without being 
pulled hard. His mouth may be spoiled for life by allowing 
him to, tug on the bit now, and he is not as likely to make a 
fast trotter if he is allowed to have his weight upon the driver's 
arms. 

While there have been fast trotters and stayers that were 
hard pullers, there is no doubt they would have been better 
horses but for that fact ; still it will be remembered when going 
fast the horse or colt will often require to feel the bit quite 
sensibly, and that he cannot do his best without it ; and the 
driver should support him in his fast work with as little pull as 
possible. 

The horse with a good mouth will always feel the driver's 
hand, and if the driver thoroughly understands his business of 
handling a first-rate fast trotter he can play upon the reins 
equal to a harper upon the strings of his instrument, and the 
horse will answer every touch with the music of his feet. 

The producing and the maintaining of a good mouth on 
the trotting horse is of the utmost importance and one of the 
most essential points in his education. 

"When pulling has become a vice and his mouth has become 
so calloused that he pulls a sulk}^ and driver along by the reins 
instead of by the traces, he loses a great deal of the power 
needed when the struggle for supremacy in the race comes. 

It must not be forgotten, however, that a great many trot- 
ting horses must be pulled considerably to enable them to do 
their best. 

When this is the case it is useless to expect to remedy the 



240 TRAINING FOR SPEED. 

pull and preserve the trot by means of substituting a severe 
bit for a plain snaffle, for it is not severity on the mouth 
that he requires, but a sort of stay upon which he can support 
himself in the flying trot, and without which he is afraid to 
put forth his best efforts, 

Hiram Woodruff, in his "Trotting Horse of America," 
gives an old-time instance of this kind in the old trotting horse 
Alexander, that was taken to England many years ago, and 
could not be made to trot a bit by those who had purchased him 
expecting great things. Afterwards William Wheelan went 
out with Eattler, and the gentleman who had Alexander no 
sooner saw him ride the former against the Birmingham mare 
than they got him to go and look at Alexander. 

He found him well cared for, but on being shown the cruel 
bit with which he had been used our young American ceased 
to wonder why he would not trot for his English owner, and 
when Wheelan had changed his hard bridle bit for a plain 
snaffle he demonstrated that the American-bred horse could 
trot on English just as well as American soil when properly 
handled, 

I give this as a case in point, showing that a horse relied 
on his driver to steady him in his great bursts of speed, and 
which he could not do with a cruel, harsh bit. 

I want my colt to be driven with a light hand and a loose 
check ; he will then swing off at his own gait, whereas, if you 
put weight on the bit and check him up taut, he will be fight- 
ing the bit, unbalanced in gait, and in no temper to trot ; and 
if this treatment is continued for awhile the colt will have a 
hard mouth and will learn to lug on the bit. 

Marvin says that Sunol would have been a puller under any 
but the most careful treatment, "Whenever she showed an 
inclination to ' lug ' I would let her have her head, talk to her, 
and let her go along as easily as possible, without being hard 
held, and she gradually forgot to pull ; but had I fought her 
with the bit she would have been ruined," 



TRAINING FOR SPEED. 241 

After a horse has learned to trot fast I like to have it take 
the bit just enough to steady it in its races. 

It is a noticeable fact that the most successful drivers of 
trotting horses seldom use a whip ; even when hard-fought 
races are on and sensational finishes are made and the extreme 
limit of speed is secured, it is, in most cases, without the use of 
the whip. There is a lesson in this, not only for the driver of 
the trotting horse, but for those who handle any other kind of 
horses. 

It is seldom that the fastest yearlings make the swiftest 
two-year-olds, or the fastest two-year-olds the sensational 
three-year-olds. 

Sixty-four trotting tAvo-year-olds took records better than 
2.30 during the present season of 1894, thirty-nine pacers being 
included in the same list, a total of 103, a larger number than 
ever entered the list in one season before, at two years of age. 



16 



CHAPTEE XXX. 



TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES, 



Old English method — Biting, kicking, and balking — Patience and firmness 
required — Causes of balking — The cord — Isolation — Kicking in 
harness — Checking — Biting — Rarey 's method — "War bridle — Pull- 
ing on the halter — Shying — Pawing in stall. 

THE subjection of vicious horses lias been a great considera- 
tion ever since they were first ridden by man, but until a 
comparatively recent date has there been but little rational 
means employed for their subjection. The plans heretofore 
adopted have generally been too much according to the direc- 
tions of an English trainer of the time of Queen Elizabeth, 
who wrote as follows : " If your horse does not stand still or 
hesitates, then abrate him with a terrible voice ; and beat him 
yourself with a good stick upon the head between the ears ; 
then stick him in the spurring place three or four times 
together with one legg after the other, as fast as your legges 
might walk ; your legges must go like two bouching beetles." 

To J. S. Rarey, an Ohio farmer, is due much of the im- 
proved methods of handling and management of the horses of 
to-day. 

Unlike the three mythological graces, attendants of Venus 
— Agalara, Thalia, and Euphrosyne ; or of the three Christian 
graces, — Faith, Hope, and Charity (the greatest of which is 
Charity), the three vices in horses are biting, kicking, and balk- 
ing, and the greatest of these is balking. 

Strange as it may appear, I regard kicking as the least of 

these vices ; yet I, at my time of life, do not care to purchase 

a kicker, but if I do I want to know it then and there, that I 

may not afterwards discover it at too great a cost — possibly 

that of life itself, 

(242) 



TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 243 

"When we come to think of it, is it a wonder that we have 
among us so many unsafe and unreliable horses? There is 
probably no one thing that people are more conceited about 
than the matter of handling horses. Our city lady friend will 
tell us that she can drive a horse, for while she was out in the 
country she drove the hay-cart to the field twice. Pat can 
drive, because he " follied a horse in the auld counthry above 
foive years." " Old Jehu " can surely drive for he was 
"brought up among horses." John Bull knows all about 
"'orses," for he has seen the "big uns in Liverpool," while 
Snob has proved his skill by passing every rig on the Brighton 
road. 

And yet the majority of the self-sufficient ones would come 
nearer the truth if they used the language of a " green hand " 
I once had — a recent importation from the Emerald Isle — 
who, on being questioned as to his ability, replied : " Yes, faith 
and I can drive him just wherever he has a moind to go." 

It is owing more to the natural intelligence of the horse 
than to the care and judgment of the driver in many cases that 
serious accidents are averted. 

BALKING. 

It is rarely that we find a balky horse that is not a good 
one. They are usually very hardy, high-spirited, quick, com- 
prehensive, and of a strong nervous temperament. A balky 
driver often makes a balky horse. In handling colts and 
horses the trainer or driver should never lose his temper ; but 
if he should, from any cause, happen to do so he should not let 
the animal know it. 

I once had a neighbor in Pomfret, Conn., — Kufus Pike — 
who was quite a successful colt-breaker or trainer. I have 
often heard him remark that he frequently became very much 
tried and annoyed by the foolishness and stubbornness of colts 
in training, and that as he was himself a nervous and high- 
tempered man he often got pretty mad^ but that he never 
dared let the colt know that he was mad. 



244 TRAINING VICIOU.S HORSES. 

Horses know nothing about balking until taught it from im- 
proper management, and when a horse balks it is generally due 
to some mismanagement, excitement, confusion, or not know- 
ing how to pull ; and seldom from any unwillingness to per- 
form his duty. 

High-spirited, free-going horses are the most subject to 
balking, and only so because drivers do not properly under- 
stand how to manage them. This kind of a free horse in a 
team may be so anxious to go that when he hears the word he 
will start with a jump that will not pull the load, but will give 
him such a severe jerk in the shoulders that he will fly back 
and stop the other horse ; the teamster will continue this driv- 
ing without cessation and by the time he has the slow horse 
started again he will find that the free horse has made another 
jump forward and again fallen back, and now he has them both 
balked and so confused that neither of them know what is the 
matter or how to start the load. Next in such cases will 
come the cracking and slashing of the driver's whip, until 
something is broken or he is through with this course of treat- 
ment. 

It requires a steady pressure against the collar to move a 
load, and you cannot expect a horse to act with a steady, deter- 
mined purpose while you are whipping him. Almost any team 
when first balked will start kindly if allowed to stand for five 
or ten minutes as though there was nothing the matter, and 
then speak kindly to them and turn them a little to the right 
or left so as to get them both in motion before they feel the 
pinch of the load. 

To break a horse that has been in the habit of balking, you 
want to commence as with a colt and go slow. Take plenty of 
time to educate him. First, put him beside a steady and true 
horse ; have check-reins on them but left loose ; tie up all 
traces and straps so that there will be nothing excitable about 
the harness ; walk them about as slowly as possible ; stop often 
and go to the balky horse and gentle him ; do not use the whip 
at all nor do anything to excite him, but keep him just as 



TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 245 

quiet as possible ; he will soon start off at the word and stop 
when told to. 

As soon as he performs all right, hitch him to an empty 
wagon and have it in a suitable place from which to make an 
immediate start. Shorten the check-strap or stay-chain behind 
the steady horse, so that if necessary he can take the weight of 
the wagon ; the first time you start them do not drive more 
than two or three rods ; watch your balky horse closely, and if 
you see he is getting a little excited, stop him before he stops 
of his own accord ; caress him a little and start again. Drive 
them, if practicable, over a small hill a few times and then over 
a larger one, all the while adding a light load. This process 
should make any horse pull true, and the above lessons had 
better, by far, have been given the colt while he. was in 
training and thereby avoided the necessity of being applied to 
a balky horse. 

Causes of Balking. Yelling and whipping on the part of 
the drivers, over-loading, sore shoulders, or ill-fittmg collars, 
are some ot the causes that make horses balk. In such cases 
kindness is much better than whipping. A horse is very 
susceptible to kindness. I have known quite vicious horses 
gentled into good behavior. Sometimes the loosening of a 
strap or unchecking and re-checking will answer the purpose, as 
it takes his attention in another direction. Sometimes in ob- 
stinate cases it may be well to unhitch from the vehicle and, 
after tying up the traces and loose straps, take one line and a 
whip and give the animal a short lesson m going around in a 
circle ; after which hitch up and perhaps you Avill have no 
more trouble, but if so give another lesson in going around as 
before. It may, in some cases, take two or three lessons of 
this kind. 

My experience with balky horses teaches me that there are 
different kinds of balkiness in them or else a difference of dis- 
position makes some yield to a remedy that will have no effect 
whatever upon another. An universal treatment, suitable to 



246 TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 

all cases, is yet to be discovered, but here is a remedy that in 
my experience has rarely failed : 

Tie a small rope or cord in one ring of the bit ; pass it under 
the upper lip and over the teeth, then out through the ring on 
the opposite side. When all is ready to start the horse, give 
the end of the rope a firm, sudden, but not violent, jerk ; that 
is all. The horse will usually go. There is a sensitive mem- 
brane connecting the upper lip with the gum which the rope, 
when jerked, lacerates. This may seem cruel, but the stinging 
pain is but momentary and the after effects but slight. Too 
rude a jerk might destroy the membrane entirely, so that the 
same method could not be used again with so good effect. 
Consequently this, as all otlier methods of subjecting and train- 
ing the horse should be skillfully applied. In cases where I 
have used the rope successfully no blood was ever found either 
on the rope or in the mouth of the horse. 

Away back in the fifties, when quite a young man, I was 
conceited enough to believe myself smart enough to swap 
horses and hold my own with the average horse jockey of those 
days ; the result was that I occasionally got more in a horse 
than I had bargained for or had even anticipated getting, and 
among which would be an occasional chronic balker. I dis- 
tinctly recollect on one occasion of purchasing a large bay 
mare, sound and apparently all right, but which was so much 
opposed to the draft family as to consider it far beneath her 
mission on earth to handle any load more than a buggy or, at 
most, a family carriage. Consequently, when I had hitched 
her to a light load of fence-rails she utterly refused to take any 
stock in their transportation. Being, myself, at that time of 
life, quite hasty in- disposition, and possessed of considerable 
" push " as well as impatience, I naturally enough, perhaps,^ 
felt much annoyed at the turn affairs had taken, and especially 
so as it was a very busy time of year with me — as I was a 
farmer — and I did not wish to be delayed in my plans ; conse- 
quently, I attempted to reform " the old jade " right then and 
tliere by vigorously applying the whip, and after using up the 



TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 247 

whip, a good hickory sapling, but to no avail. All I was able 
to accomplish by the whipping was to excite her to rear and 
plunge and throw herself. I then changed my tactics and, being 
in the woods, I tied her to a tree and left her there. This 
was in the forenoon. Towards evening I returned to see how 
she was getting along and again hitched her to the wagon, 
when she again refused to budge one inch. I did no more 
whipping, but again hitched her to the tree. The next morn- 
ing I visited her again ; she was evidently getting very lone- 
some as well as hungry and thirsty, still, she again refused to 
draw the, wagon, and consequently I again left her " alone in 
her glory," After dinner 1 called on her again. She appeared 
very glad, indeed, to see me, and whinnied with joy at my ap- 
proach. I again hitched her to the wagon, and you may 
depend upon it that she was glad and anxious to move it. 
Well, the result of this whole matter was that I owned the 
mare upwards of two years, and scarcely ever owned a better 
pulling animal alone or in a team, and when I finally sold her 
I warranted her to pull in any and all harness. 

A horse left alone, hitched to a tree or post, soon becomes as 
lonesome and discontented as, perhaps, a person would under 
the same circumstances, and I claim this method, if rightly 
used, is less cruel, and better for both horse and man than to 
cruelly beat the animal with whip or club. 

KICKING IN HARNESS. 

Having, as before stated, some experience in " swapping " 
horses, and as " swap horses " are usually composed of nearly 
iall classes — except good ones — I have occasionally drawn as 
a prize in this business an inveterate kicker. JN^ow, while I 
would not at my age and experience purchase such, or advise 
my friends to do so, especially as a family horse, yet I have 
driven and successfully used in my business, at different periods, 
some mares that were considered even incorrigible and pro- 
nounced utterly worthless as harness animals. I remember a 
case in point occurring years ago, when I swapped a well bred 



248 TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 

unbroken colt of my own raising for a young Morgan brood 
mare in foal, "sight unseen" (as the boys used to swap jack- 
knives), the animals being upwards of sixty miles apart when 
the trade was made. 

After having made this trade it was gradually revealed to 
me that I had secured a kicker of the first water, and that the 
last three owners had not dared make the attempt of even 
putting a harness upon her. But I want to say right here that 
this proved to be one of the best horse trades I ever made in 
my life. I kept and used this mare for upwards of two years, 
and used her in any and all places any one could need use a 
horse, viz.: in the field, on the road, on a milk wagon, under 
the saddle, and in all ways a general purpose horse might be 
used ; and, among other things, this mare, beside another Yer- 
mont Morgan mare, cut twelve acres of heavy grass in a day, 
driven by my son. N'ow, how would I use a kicking horse in 
harness ? 

In the first place, check pretty hard with an over-draw 
check (let me say right here that this is the only use I ever had 
for an over-draw check, as they are very cruel if used long at a 
time, and especially so if buckled at all tight). Tie the tail, at 
the end, firmly into a loop, fasten with a strong, but small, cord 
to the whiffletree ; have the string just long enough to allow a 
very slight motion of the tail. Firmly fasten by the middle to 
the end of the string a small, smooth, round piece of stick of 
tough, hard wood, a little thicker than a lead pencil. When 
you hitch the mare up run this through the loop, fix it securely 
across and go ahead. She will not try to kick many times 
rigged in this way, before giving up, as she cannot kick if she 
wishes to. I will repeat that the cord must be strong. Per- 
severance guarantees success in this case. I would also recom- 
mend the wearing of a regular kicking strap on all animals 
driven in single harness that are at all liable to kick. 



TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 249 

BITING HORSES. 

Horses have been successfully cured of this vice Avhile in 
harness, by putting a piece of hard wood an inch and a half 
square into the animal's mouth, about the same length of an 
ordinary snaffle bit. It may be fastened by a thong of leather 
passed through holes in each end of the wood and secured to 
the bridle. It must be used in addition to the bit, but in no 
way to impede the working of the bit. 

Rarey adopted this plan with the zebra in the Zoo, who was 
a terrible brute at biting. Mr. Rarey succeeded, hov^ever, in 
taming and training him to harness and drove him through the 
streets of London. Animals with this vice should be treated 
kindly in the stable, and not- abused with pitchforks, whip, etc. 
An apple, carrot, or even a piece of bread, soothing language, 
and a kind pat, but a firm, watchful eye and hand, with the use 
of the above wooden bit will usually cure the most inveterate 
biter. The fact that he cannot shut his mouth so as to grip 
anything while wearing the bit, soon dawns upon him that he 
is conquered. 

Jennings cites a case where he cured a horse of this habit 
by putting something like a war bridle on him and tying the 
same to his tail in such a manner as to cause him to go around 
m a circle if moving at all, and then, with a whip, keeping him 
at it with occasional let-ups until subjugated and cured. 

To shoe a kicking horse connect the head and tail by means 
of a small rope securely fastened to the tail and then to the bit 
and drawn tightly enough to incline the animal's head to one 
side. This, it is said, makes it absolutely impossible for the 
horse to kick over the side of the rope. 

Another way of subduing a horse that is vicious to shoe is 
to take a cord about the size of a common clothes-line, put it in 
the mouth of the horse like a bit, and tie it tightly on the ani- 
mal's head, passing one ear under the cord, not painfully tight, 
but tight enough to keep the ear down and the cord in place. 
The Indian war bridle may do as well. Always be as gentle 



350 TEAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 

and kind as possible with a vicious horse, and use soothing in- 
stead of harsh languge. 

PULLING ON THE HALTER. 

To break a colt or horse of this habit either in the stable or 
at the post, take a rope with a loop or ring in one end, pass the 
end with the loop in it over the animal's back just forward of 
the hip, letting it drop down at the flank, then run the other 
end of the rope through the eye or ring, making a slip-noose, 
and passing the rope lengthwise of the belly between the fore 
legs and up through the halter ring, and make fast to a stanch- 
ion or post, and then give him an opportunity to pull by ad- 
ministering some of the causes of his former pulling, and con- 
tinue this from time to time until permanently cured, which 
will not require many lessons at most. 

Shying may be recorded as one of the evils to which horse- 
flesh is heir, and is generally the result of improper training or 
breaking of the colt. The inconvenience, annoyance, and oft- 
times danger occasioned by a shying horse is anything but 
pleasant to its rider or driver. Shying in horses is undoubtedly 
the offspring of fear.- Fear is the motion excited by suspicion, 
apprehension, appearance, or approach of danger. This may 
be termed natural timidity, giving rise to that kind of shyness 
with which colts and young animals are endowed ; another kind 
of shyness may be said to be acquired; but as I have gone over 
the ground pretty well in my views of breaking and training 
(see Chapter XXVIII), I will only say here that unless the eye- 
sight is impaired and the animal shies from that defect, it is in 
most cases easily cured, as already stated in Chapter XXYIII. 
By all means do not whip an already frightened horse. 

HUGGING THE LINES. 

The best remedy that I know of for a horse that is in the 
habit of catching the lines with his tail and then hugging them 
so hard that it is almost impossible to get the free use of them 
again, is a leather pad some four to six inches in width and 



TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 251 

the length, of the width of a horse's tail. Attach buckles at 
each end so that the pad or enlarged crupper may be buckled 
to the back strap like any ordinary crupper, and put it under 
the tail. It will elevate it so that the horse cannot hug the line, 
and, moreover, it will cause him to carry his tail in a graceful 
and showy position. The cost of this simple and safe arrange- 
ment is but a trifle. 

PAWING IN STALL. 

It is sometimes the case that a horse becomes very annoy- 
ing to their owners and grooms by the habit — although not 
necessarily a vicious one — of almost continued pawing while in 
the stall. My own remedy for this habit is to buckle with a 
strap (a common hame-strap will do), a piece of chain about the 
size of a trace chain, and some two to four feet long, around 
the fetlock of the foot most used in pawing, leaving the other 
end of the chain to lie loose on the end of the floor of the stall. 
This simple method usually effects a permanent cure. 

THE INDIAN WAE BRIDLE. 

This is a simple and inexpensive arrangement, and has been 
used by the Indians and Mexicans for many years, having been 
mentioned in the " Veterinary''^ of London, England, in 1828, 
as used by the ISTorth American Indian in subjugating his wild 
horses of the plains ; hence the name, Indian war bridle. 

This bridle, as formerly used by the Indians and Mexicans, 
although a simple arrangement and easily made and applied, 
is, nevertheless, when properly used, a powerful means of con- 
trolling wild or vicious horses, and may be advantageously 
used on kickers that kick while being harnessed, groomed, 
or shod. 

To make this Indian bridle, take a three or four ply rope or 
cord (the cotton cord is much the better, as it works smoothly 
and is much softer than any other). To prepare the cord for 
use tie a knot in each end and then make a loop by doubling 
the cord and passing the knot through ; these loops should be 
at such distance from the knot as will allow the cord to pass 



^52 TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. 

around the neck at one end and the lower jaw at the other, pass- 
ing the knot through the loop from the opposite side of the loop 
to where it first passed through in making the loop, thus bring- 
ing the thickness of the cord in the center of the loop. By this 
means safety is secured, the cord slipping easily through, pre- 
venting the possibility of its getting fast, as it would likely do 
if passed through the loop from the same side it originally came 
through. The necessity of this arrangement will be seen in ap- 
plying the cord. 

We have here two principles involved : first, steady pressure 
upon the lower jaw, and, second, friction in the mouth — the one 
stationary in the mouth, the other slipping through it. 

The Rarey cord, as used by Mr. Rarey, was a very simple 
but powerful means of subduing a vicious or headstrong colt or 
horse, and consists of a cotton rope or cord (about clothes-line 
size) Avith a loop at one end long enough to slip on the under 
jaw, the other end going up on the right side of the neck, over, 
down on the left side through the loop on jaw; the part that 
crosses the neck should be well back towards the withers to give 
it a purchase. 

A strong pull or sudden jerk on this will make quite an im- 
pression upon almost any horse. This cord is calculated to ac- 
complish the same results as the war bridle, and is much on the 
same principle. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

TRAINING CIRCUS HORSES. 

Height of perfection in training — Skillful education — Mild treatment best 
— Sensible to plaudits of audience — High prices for trained ring- 
horses. 

THE height of perfection in training seems to be found 
among circus horses, and whether a man is in sympathy 
with horses or not, if he has any admiration for them at all he 
certainly must approve of the acquired intelligence which the 
trained horses for a circus exhibit. The manner of training 
these horses is also interesting. The education must be given 
in the most skillful manner, and some points in regard to it 
will not only be interesting but may aid those who have the 
training of horses for everyday purposes in doing their work 
more intelligently. 

In reply to the inquiry as to how he trained his horses, the 
trainer of all of Barnum and Bailey's trick and ring horses^ 
said : " The first thing that we have to do when we get new 
horses is simply to keep them in the stables with the others 
until they get used to their company. It is a singular thing, 
too, how jealous the old horses are of the new comers. You 
may laugh if you want to, but horses really have their way of 
' guying ' green stock. 

"After the horses get used to their surroundings and their 
stable companions, we blindfold them and take them into the 
ring. While they are blindfolded we train them to the circu- 
lar motion, — that is, we make it appear natural to them to 
run around in a ring. This requires a good deal of time and 
patience. It generally takes a month to break a horse to this. 
The natural tendency of the animal is to go straight, and the 
going round is unnatural to him. ]N"owadays we use a. 

(253) 



354 TRAINING CIRCUS HORSES, 

system of check and lines that makes the process much easier 
to him. After the horse has been taught to run around we 
take off the blindfold, and the performer for whom the animal 
is intended begins to try tricks with him. The horse is natur- 
ally very observant and his natural bent is to do what he sees 
another horse do ; so when we are teaching a new horse tricks 
we place him alongside of another, who has been trained, to 
give him confidence, and the two work together. The rider will 
first try one and then the other. It is a great mistake in think- 
ing that punishment is resorted to in breaking in circus horses. 
Horses that are broken by violent treatment are not to be de 
pended upon, and for ring purposes we must have horses so 
trained that they can be absolutely relied upon, 

"A good animal that has been trained for the ring, will, 
technically speaking, ' feel ' his rider and accommodate his 
motions as much as possible to the work that the rider has in 
hand. Such a horse is the delight of a bare-back rider ; and, by 
the way, nearly all the riders have their favorite animals. 

Circus horses are as sensible to the applause of the audience 
as are the riders. It is wonderful what a horse will do under 
the stimulus of applause with what he will not do when the 
audience is cold. Horses are likely, however, just as perform- 
ers, to lose their head when the approval is too stimulating. 
This is one of the reasons you see the check and reins with 
which a circus horse is provided ; they are not intended AvhoUy 
for ornament as most people suppose. 

"A well-trained ring-horse is worth easily $1,000. Riders 
who earn large salaries generally like to own the horses that 
they ride ; they like to give them their personal attention. 
Generally the riders in a circus who own their own horses 
make up a pool together for the employment of a first-class 
groom. A circus horse needs the most careful attention. 
Prior to every act his back has to be rubbed with rosin, so as 
to prevent the rider's feet from slipping ; this must be carefully 
washed off after each act or the horse's back would become 
sore in a short time. 



TRAINING emeus HORSES. 255 

"A first-class groom has to be, in fact, something of a vet- 
erinary surgeon. Tliere are really few accidents to the circus 
horse when one considers the work he has to do. 

" We have horses here that have been in training for ten 
years. The ring work is not particularl}^ wearing upon them 
when they bect)me accustomed to it ; it is the traveling around 
the country that tells on them most. At the same time they 
get the best treatment. The food given them is of the first 
quality. 

" I have trained horses that Mr. Barnum, Mr. Bailey, and 
others have valued at $5,000, simply because of their training. 
Such a horse must be good blood. 

" You might think a horse trained for the ring and kept in 
it year after year might lose any speed he might have had, but 
we have horses here now that we used in the ring work that 
could trot a mile in 2.35 to 2.45." 



CHAPTEK XXXII. 

FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 

Value of different foods — Neatness and cleanness — Change of food necessary 
— Treat kindly — Indian corn — Watering — Corn meal — Flax seed — 
Roots — Light and ventilation — Blankets. 

ALMOST any man can work around a horse-barn, but to 
properly understand feeding and the best care of horses 
in the stable, is a trade of itself, and one which has but few ex- 
perts. 

The lack of proper knowledge of different foods for horses 
under peculiar conditions, as well as lack of judgment under 
circumstances relating to the care of horses Avhen they are out 
of condition, added to carelessness, inattention, and poor treat- 
ment when disease attacks the vital portions of a horse, is a 
source of much fatality among them, and annually shortens the 
lives of many good ones. 

Among the vast horde of horses that die every year there 
are only a few that are really worn out. The most of them die 
from some cause or other, and these causes are what horsemen 
should look after if they desire to have their animals live to " a 
green old age." It is generally easier and cheaper to preserve 
horses once procured than to obtain new ones. Aside from 
accidents, a sound horse should be as good at eighteen or twenty 
years old as at any other age, yet we find but a few who, 
having lived to that time, are still able to do even a few days 
work without great fatigue. 

Owners of horses should study the care of them in order to 
get the greatest amount of service out of them, if for no other 
reason. Remember that with your horse, as with yourself, 
every time you do an imprudent thing you will have to pay 
dearly for it. If the results of poor care and bad management 

( 256 ) 



FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 257 

of horses could be seen immediately there would, undoubtedly, 
be more thought given to the matter. 

A French investigator, by an elaborate test, found that oats 
were especially good for horses. By an electrical apparatus he 
found an excitable principle in oats which he called a nervine, 
and he discovered that crushed oats were more active and not 
as enduring as the whole grain, used as horse food. 

It is understood by the practical horseman that oats favor 
more speed and endurance in the horse than any other food. 
Experience has proved, beyond a doubt, that as a grain food 
for horses, few, if any, feeds are superior to oats. Many 
farmers and teamsters, however, by experimenting, have 
decided that other grains may be cheaper and answer nearly 
as well. 

As to the cheapness, of feeding horses with grain, as far as 
the cost of the grain itself is concerned, there is no doubt that 
ground grain mixed with cut hay, or hay and straw, is the 
most economical ; but in this manner of feeding we must have 
the conveniences not otherwise required in feeding whole grain, 
and the extra time it takes to cut and grind the food should 
also be included in the expense account. 

When corn is worth less than a cent a pound, the feeding 
value is, no doubt, in favor of corn, but corn being very hearty 
great care must needs be exercised in dealing it out. Constant 
feeding of corn for two or three months often deranges the en- 
tire system, requiring a complete change of diet, and often 
necessitating the services of a veterinary. 

The thick hull covering the oat kernel prevents fast eating ; 
consequently, more saliva is formed, which aids digestion, yet 
some horses eat so voraciously that some kernels are swallowed 
whole. In such cases either have the grain ground and fed dry 
or place several stones two inches in diameter in the feed-box. 
These will prevent the grabbing of a full mouthful of grain at 
once, and thus cause twice the time spent in eating a given 
quantity. There is a vast amount of ignorance exhibited in 
17 



258 FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 

feeding horses. Some owners feed their horses when most 
convenient, regardless of the wants or necessities of the animals. 
The capacity of the horse's stomach is about sixteen quarts ; 
people who are ignorant of this fact fall into many serious 
errors. 

ISTo one owning or having the care of intelligent horses 
should have to be told how necessary to good health it is that 
everything about the horses, and most especially about the 
feed-boxes and mangers, should be perfectly neat and clean. It 
is too often the practice of the attendant to empty the contents 
of the measure into the feed- box without once glancing in to 
see if it is in condition to receive the food. If the horse does 
not eat his food out clean the box should be cleaned out before 
another feeding time. 

There is no animal more fastidious than the horse, and if 
there is a little grain left in the box from time to time, it soon 
commences to decay or mould and offends the horse's sense of 
taste and smell. For the same reason the hay-rack or manger 
should not be crowded full every time the horse is fed ; give 
but a small feed of hay at a time ; usually about seven pounds 
is enough. Following this direction the hay will always be 
fresh and the horse will not gorge himself, but will eat it much 
better and do much better. 

A horse requires an occasional change of food, as well as 
the human being, but great care should be exercised in the 
change from time to time instituted. Unless intelligence is ex- 
hibited in feeding, the results frequently result in disaster. 
Feed and water as regularly as possible. 

It is a fact w^ell w^orth bearing in mind that you cannot ill- 
treat YOUR horse in any WAY WITHOUT MATERIALLY DEPRECIAT- 
ING HIM IN VALUE. 

A state of uneasiness and restlessness by horses being yelled 
at or unmercifully beaten about the stable, often lessens their 
value and, indeed, often makes them w^orthless, when the satis- 
faction of handling them is considered. A humane man will 
be more guarded about using harsh language and ill-treatment 



FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 259 

about a horse than he will about a person. The latter can 
reason and consider the source and circumstances, while the 
former, acting only from instinct, is more deeply impressed by 
the treatment received. 

Vicious and stubborn dispositions are often the results of 
poor stable treatment, and it is not to be wondered at. If a 
horse can be soothed by gentle words — and there are but few 
that cannot — then it naturally follows that different treatment 
will produce different effects. 

In feeding grain to horses it is important that it should be 
fed at such a time that it may remain in the stomach as long 
as need be to secure its complete digestion. 

The nitrogenous elements, in which grain is richer than 
other food, are better digested in the stomach than in the in- 
testines. The grain should be fed after the hay has been eaten, 
and no other food or drink should be given for some time after, 
so that the grain may remain in the stomach until fully 
digested. 

If the grain is fed first and then a ration of hay, the grain 
will speedily be forced from the stomach by the hay and will 
not do more than about half as much good as if fed after the 
horse had eaten about seven pounds of hay and had all the 
water required. 

This system, although contrary to the general practice, is 
well worth the owner's consideration in feeding horses. 

Indian corn is the great food crop for animals in this coun- 
try, and is produced in nearly every county of every State, and 
probably more cases of horse colic arise from feeding corn-meal 
than from all other foods combined ; and this especially occurs 
among farm horses, as farmers study the philosophy of foods 
very little, or the effects of the conditions of food upon animal 
health. They, naturally, feed what is most convenient and 
cheapest, without considering that any good food can be other 
than healthy. 

In my experience as a veterinary practitioner I have known 
of the death of many horses, which, by examination, proved to 



260 FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 

be caused by feeding corn-meal alone. Some feed it wet and 
others dry, but, when fed alone, it is more dangerous wet than 
dry, for when wet it may be swallowed with but very little 
mastication, while the dry meal must be masticated until the 
saliva saturates it before it can be swallowed, and the saliva is 
a more active agent in the process of digestion than is mere 
water ; therefore, it is in better condition for digestion when fed 
dry than when fed wet. 

In my experience of upwards of forty years in feeding 
horses I have never known any serious effects from feeding 
even the finest of corn-meal when mixed with cut hay or straw. 
My plan of mixing is to moisten the hay or straw (or both 
mixed, half and half) just enough to cause the meal to adhere 
to it that it may all be eaten together. Be careful in the mix- 
ing and not get the hay too wet. 

My experience with horses and hostlers leads me to say that 
there are as many horses injured by over-feeding as by under- 
feeding. It should ever be borne in mind that every bit of food 
placed before a horse more than his capacity for assimilation 
and digest is not only wasted, but is positively injurious to the 
horse. It should be the study of all horse owners to see that 
their animals do not go to bed at night either hungry, thirsty, 
or suffering from too much supper. 

It Avould be assuming too much for me to say how great or 
small a quantity you should feed your horses, for you will 
find by closely watching a stable of a dozen or more horses that 
some require much more feed than others. It is the same with 
men ; what is eaten by one small man will sometimes be a suf- 
ficient quantity for two larger ones, consequently I do not wish 
to place myself on record as saying just how much or how little 
you shall feed your horses, but would advise the owners them- 
selves to see on how little food a horse can Avork and thrive 
rather than to see how much food he can get away with. 

Of muscle-producing food, beans are first, oats second, and 
barley third. Of fat-producing food, Indian corn stands first, 
pease second, and barley third. Wheat is also a most excellent 
grain to be judiciously fed to all animals. 



FEEDING AND STABLE MANAGEMENT. 261 

All grains should be ground in order to be of the greatest 
utility to animals, and especially horses, when mixed with cut 
hay or straw. "Wheat bran is not only a food rich in muscle 
and bone-forming matter, but a medicine for the bowels which 
may be classed among the safest and best as well as cheapest. 

Flaxseed, oil-cake, and oil-meal are all excellent in their way 
of keeping the bowels open and in a healthy condition when 
judiciously fed in connection with dry food. 

Roots occasionally fed to all horses in winter are not only 
wholesome but toothsome. Among the different varieties of 
roots grown here in America, I prefer carrots for horses, but 
parsnips may be quite as good. An occasional feed of apples 
when plenty and cheap, and especially sweet apples, are usually 
much relished by all horses. Even turnips and potatoes for a 
chano^e to horses that will eat them are to be recommended in 
winter, as all these, while making a change in their diet, have a 
tendency to regulate their bowels also. 

Next to roots and fruit for this purpose, flaxseed, linseed 
m.eal, and wheat meal are advisable. 

Salt should be so administered as not to overdo or underdo 
the matter. Provide each horse with a sufficiency, and not 
force more upon him than he requires. My present method of 
salting horses is to place quite a lump of mineral salt in the 
feeding box or manger of each horse, and when it has all disap- 
peared replace it with another. 

I know that in this way some eat twice as much as others — 
possibly too much ; but I know of no better way in which to 
salt horses while in the stable, and, when in the field, I usually 
leave lumps of salt within their reach and where they can have 
free access to it. 

All stables for horses should be well provided with light and 
ventilation without draught. 

All work and driving horses should be well bedded every 
night and well groomed every morning. 

Blankets are to be used when necessary, but care and judg- 
ment must be exercised. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

MANAGEMENT OF TEAMS ON THE FARM AND ON THE EOAD. 

Don't rush in the morning — Good vs. poor teamsters — Noon feed — Groom 
properly — Blankets, etc. 

FARM TEAMS. 

DOJST'T rush the teams in the morning or after a long rest ; 
warm them up gradually if you would get the most out 
of them, and give them the least necessary fatigue. When 
plowing, the first round or two in the morning should be made 
as easy as possible ; and if the plowing is hard on the team, as, 
for instance, heavy clay land, when they are obliged to pull 
quite hard all the time, — it should frequently be stopped for 
just a little while and not allowed to get over-heated, exhausted, 
or discouraged. 

I have had many farm-hands and teamsters (?) to work for 
me, and nearly as many different kinds as numbers. For in- 
stance, I have had a man who would take a team in the morn- 
ing fresh from the stable and in my toughest plowing in Indi- 
ana clay soil, would do a good forenoon's work and bring his 
team in at noon in good shape to water and feed. You would 
seldom hear this man speak to his team, and never hear him 
yell or scold at them ; he would do a good spring's work and 
keep his team in excellent order all through. Look to the 
field whenever you would, you might invariably see his team 
moving quietly and steadily along.. . He made frequent stops, 
however, but of very short duration. ; always when he stopped 
he backed the team a step and usually raised their collars to 
give air and to see that all was right. 

I have had other plowmen and teamsters who, when working 
their teams, would bawl and swear at their teams until they 

(262) 



MANAGEMENT OF TEAMS ON FARM AND ROAD. 263 

might be heard all over the farm ; these would rush them for 
all they were worth for an hour or two until they were reeking 
with foam and sweat, and then stop them half an hour or more 
at a time, letting them stand all the while on a draw with 
traces taut and bracing in the collar, while they rested sit- 
ting on the plowbeam ; and perhaps when the dinner bell rang 
they would bring them to the b^rn so heated that they could 
not be watered or fed for half an hour. Such teamsters, — if 
by such name they may be called, — will use up a good team 
in an incredibly short time, as I know by observation. 

Some teamsters will annoy and fret a good team with spirit 
and mettle more by constant yelling and swearing at them — 
and take more out of them in this manner — than will all the 
work they are able to accomplish. 

In the spring of 1894, I hired a young man from Ohio to 
work for me for the season, and gave him a good team to 
work. Both horses were well-bred, and belonged to the 
American trotting family, both were full of life and spirit, 
were in the best of health, and in excellent condition. They 
Were both intelligent and good dispositioned animals, but 
rather nervous ; both were willing to do lots of work, doing it 
cheerfully, steadily, and pleasantly. 

This young man commenced bawling and swearing at his 
team from the very start. We could hear his foul language 
all over the farm and into the house, even ; not only that but 
he soon became a neighborhood nuisance through his loud 
swearing at one of the very best teams ever hitched to a plow 
or elsewhere. He had lungs like an ox and the voice of a fog- 
horn. I cannot now see why I should have kept him for a 
month, but I did, for he was a good worker for the times, and 
I suppose I thought that by reasoning and talking with him I 
might reform him in the manner of using a team, — but it 
was of no use. I could not change his methods, and so I sent 
him away. I then engaged the services of a mild-mannered 
young man (a graduate of a commercial college) to Avork this 
same team. He soon proved himself to belong to the chronic 



264 MANAGEMENT OF TEAMS ON FARM AND ROAD. 

lazy class, and required a large amount of sitting down in order 
to accomjDlish a little work. He Avould rush his team for all 
they could stand for half an hour or so and then stop them for 
as long a time while he sat down and had a good rest and 
smoke. The noon bell would frequently catch him with a very 
light forenoon's work accomplished but with a heated and 
fatigued team. He also was a great hand to yell and scold at 
his team ; but it was a busy time of the year and good help 
very scarce, so I kept him two months, and at the expiration 
of that time his team was in an excellent condition to make 
first-class scare-crows of, 

Now had this same team, with proper handling and proper 
care been well managed at their work, they would not only 
have accomplished all that they did, but would have held their 
own in flesh and condition. I give this illustration here as not 
one of great singularity, but a recent one, and one that I 
was much interested in. 

If farm horses are fed loose hay at noon they should have 
time to eat it before being fed grain ; then as soon as done eat- 
ing their grain they are ready for the field. Not to exceed 
seven pounds of hay should be given at one feeding to each 
horse. Always water on coming to the stable if team is not 
too warm ; if such be the case they may eat their hay first, then 
drink their fill, and eat their grain lastly. Eemember to feed 
grain after hay in all cases, in order to get the most from the 
grain. 

MANAGEMENT OF HOESES ON THE EOAD. 

"When farm horses are not much used on the roa^ds, and are 
required to haul heavy loads long distances, their drivers 
should use great care not to allow them to become too much 
Avearied ; for, when in this condition, excessive sweating is 
liable to cause severe chills and colds, often producing internal 
fever accompanied by severe constipation or stoppage. 

Farmers should go on these trips to market in cool weather, 
prepared to give warm clothing while the team is resting. 
Laxative food should also be given in moderate quantities, as 



MANAGEMENT OF TEAMS ON FARM AND ROAD. 265 

an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. 
There is nothing better for this purpose than boiled flax-seed ; 
this in small quantity mixed with other food is very soothing 
to the stomach. 

When flax-seed cannot be obtained, linseed oil-meal will an- 
swer as well. Oats are the best grain-food for teams either 
working or driving on the road, but oats and barley in equal 
portions ground together make an excellent ration. 

Another matter that farm teamsters are quite likely to neg- 
lect, is proper grooming. Thorough cleaning for a work-horse 
is said to equal a small feed of oats. There is no doubt about 
the healthfulness of good grooming. Proper attention to 
feeding, cleaning, and blanketing will be found much cheaper 
than to engage the services of a veterinary after your animals 
are taken ill. 



CHAPTER XXXIY. 

MANAGEMENT OF ROAD AND DRIVING HORSES. 

Start out moderate — Long distance — Water frequently — Checking — Hitch- 
ing to buggy — Whip — Feeding on the road — Short-distance driving 
— Reins well in hand. 

THERE have been periods in my varied and busy life when 
my business required much driving on country roads, 
and sometime of upwards of sixty miles in a day. I usually 
had a good horse for these long routes, and knew — or thought 
I knew — very well how to drive and take care of them. My 
way was — and is — when starting out with a recently fed and 
watered horse to drive the first five or ten miles about as slow 
as a good road horse will naturally travel, and by that time 
they will have gotten themselves into condition for good road 
work and will be ready to take a good, comfortable road gait 
for the next ten or twenty miles without distress or fretting. 
When driving on hilly roads I allow the horses to walk up hills 
. and drive very carefully and with a snug rein down the hills, 
always taking advantage of the best, smoothest, and level 
places in the road to make up my time. 

When driving long distances I never enter into brushes or 
races with others on the road, but always drive as steadily and 
easily as possible. Many has been the time when driving long 
distances on the road that someone has driven out of a yard 
or stable when I was about opposite, and, going my way, have 
driven past and away from me — perhaps entirely out of sight 
— but after a few miles of steady driving I have come up to 
them, and perhaps passed them and driven away, out of sight 
and hearing of them for the rest of the journey. When driv- 
ing on the road in summer I water frequently, giving a little 
at a time. I never check hard when driving long distances — 

(266) 



MANAGEMENT OF ROAD AND DRIVING HORSES. 267 

nor any other time, for that matter. On the road I am very 
particular that my horse, if checked at all, is only very moder- 
ately so, and that he hangs quite loose in the harness. Most 
people, to my notion, buckle the hold-backs too tight ; a horse 
cannot travel nearly as easily with the breeching drawn tight 
across him. I want it quite loose or left off altogether,, 
although a hilly country road calls for the breeching ; but be 
sure it hangs right, not too taut nor too low. Have it well up 
on the thighs and not so low as to have a tendency to trip in 
descending steep hills. So particular am I over this point of 
the hanging of the breeching that many has been the time 
when driving a horse harnessed by others, I have got out of 
my buggy and adjusted the same to suit myself, even though I 
were driving but a short distance. 

As to the whip ; there are few men who like a good whip, 
perhaps, better than myself; and I have thought that few 
could use one more dexterously when required to do so. I 
always want a good whip in my buggy when driving, no mat- 
ter what the distance may be ; yet, if kept for my use alone, a. 
good whip would last me a long time, as I have but little occa- 
sion to use it. 

One of the worst possible pernicious features of road driv- 
ing is an almost continual clucking, tapping with the whip, and 
jerking on the reins. 

I very much dislike to see the hair worn off horses from 
wearing the breeching too tight. 

I have often thought were I a horse hitched to a fine buggy 
or carriage and compelled to stand the irritable driving that 
many good horses are subjected to, I would play " Old Ab- 
dallah" with the carriage, and serve it as he did the Long 
Islander's fish-cart many years ago, even though I were made 
to pay the same penalty for my rashness as he did for his — 
being turned out on a sandy beach to starve to death. 

I have often observed that the best drivers, whether of 
teams or single horses ; whether those teams were composed of 
oxen, stags, mules, or horses; whether being worked on the 



S68 MANAGEMENT OF ROAD AND DRIVING HORSES. 

farm, driven on. the road, or even on the race track, were those 
who used the whip the least. In driving many different horses, 
of as many different dispositions, I have had at various times 
many occasions for the use of the whip ; but in all cases I en- 
deavor to have the horse fully understand why I use it and for 
what purpose. 

In former times, when serving at county or state fairs as a 
committee on oxen and steers, I have admonished exhibitors in 
reference to the too free use of the lash — advising them to do 
their training and necessary whipping at home ; then bring 
their trained animals only to the fair for exhibition, and not 
make too much of an exhibit of themselves or of their method 
of training steers. 

While on this subject of training for fairs and the use of 
the whip, perhaps it may not appear as too great a digression 
from the subject under consideration for me to relate a little 
■circumstance of several years ago. In September, 1873, I ex- 
bibited a beautiful pair of Devon steers at the Windham county 
(Ct.) fair. My steers were four years old only, and weighed 
-about 2,400 pounds, and at that time were compelled to compete 
in their work with oxen of all ages and all weights. Their exhi- 
bition work consisted in drawing and backing a cart filled and 
rounded up with stones and probably weighing about two tons 
— not less. In this competition were oxen weighing all the 
way from 3,200 to 4,200 pounds, and probably not a pair com- 
peting for the prize weighing any less than 3,000 pounds. 
Well, the result of the showing was that all the teams were 
able to draw the load, and after much yelling and scolding and 
a good deal of whipping, several pairs were able to do some- 
thing in the way of backing it. There were some twenty pairs 
in competition. 

After all the oxen had shown what they could and could 
not do, I hitched my " little steers " to the cart. I could dis- 
tinctly hear the murmur through the crowd that " Dimon will 
be unable to compete with the others," — that while he had a 
beautiful pair of steers, they were altogether too light and 



MANAGEMENT OF ROAD AND DRIVING HORSES. 269' 

young to compete favorably with their older and heavier com- 
petitors; that, while the J might he ahle to draw the load up 
the hill, they could not possibly be expected to back it a single 
inch. 

When all was ready I gave them the word and they, at 
once, started together, settling into their yoke, and took the 
load up the hill and around to the backing place just as well as. 
any team had been able to do. Again the murmur ran through 
the crowd : " Dimon did very Avell at pulling, but he can't ex- 
pect them to move that load backwards; they haven't the 
' heft ' for it." 

So, again, when all was ready, all I had to do was to raise 
my whip before them and give them just one word, " Back ! "^ 
Back they went, almost backing over three or four men who 
stood in their way behind the cart. The murmur of the crowd 
turned into a shout. They cried : " This is the only backing 
we have had to-day." 

In this exhibition I only made use of the two words, 
" Come " and " Back." I did not strike them a lick with my 
whip. It was a case where I had done all of my training and 
necessary whipping at home, and the cattle already knew what 
to do and what to expect if they failed to do what was told 
them. 

Then, in training horses, as well as steers, whether for ex- 
hibition or use, first teach them thoroughly just what you want 
them to do ; and then it may be time to teach them what to 
expect in case of failure to perform what they are capable of 
doing. 

In driving long distances on the road I only feed at morn- 
ing, at noon, and at night. Some think that after a fifteen or 
twenty mile drive a horse should be stopped and fed, no mat- 
ter what the time of day ; I cannot agree with them. Feed 
regularly in this work just the same as in other work. Of 
course, if a horse is pulled out of a stable at midnight and 
starts off on an empty stomach, it cannot be expected that he 
will not need feeding again until noon ; that would be too 



270 MANAGEMENT OF ROAD AND DRIVING HORSES. 

long. Use judgment in this as in many other cases where it is 
impossible for the wisest head to lay down infallible rules to 
go by. If a man has no judgment in the use of a horse, he 
should not be allowed to use one, but be forced to turn his at- 
tention to other less responsible pursuits. 

Having described my way in treating a horse on a long dis- 
tance I will say a few words regarding short-distance driving. 
"While at my time of life I like a " quaker trot " about as well 
as any gait — both as to comfort and safety for me — still if I 
have a good horse and the roads are good and I have only five 
or ten miles to go, I see no particular necessity of spending too 
much time on the road. Time is money, and life is too short 
to fool away too much of it unnecessarily. I contend that a 
horse well able to do so and without a heavy load, had better 
travel over a good, smooth ten-mile road in an hour and a half 
and receive good treatment at the end, than to spend two and 
a half hours on the road and receive no care at the end of the 
route. 

Besides, the older I grow I more and more see the import- 
ance of making each hour count to the best possible advan 
tage ; for, as Longfellow has it : 

" Art is long and Time is fleeting; 

And our hearts, though stout and brave, 
Still, like muflfled drums, are beating 
Funeral marches to the grave." 

Always, when driving on the road, have the reins well in 
hand, always being "in touch" with the horse through his 
mouth. Then, if through any cause your horse makes a mis- 
ste]3, or shies, or stumbles, you have him under your control at 
once — as you otherwise could not do. 

I have driven horses full of life and spirit, whose action and 
speed I could govern by the mouth alone, without a word or 
single act on my part except just slight variations in the pull 
or non-pull of the lines. 




> 



"A 
O 
p— I 
H 
O 



o 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 

The author a judge in races — The trainer — Driver — Swipe — Big-head — 
Early vs. late training — Toe-weights — Jogging — The mouth — Sta- 
bling -^ Treating a warm horse — Time to succeed. 

IT has been said that " all money in trotters is in the hand- 
ling." The management, handling, and driving the trot- 
ting horse in his races, is as much of a science and requires as 
much skill to do so properly and successfully, as that of almost 
any other profession. It is a trade of itself. If the candidate 
for this profession is not possessed of a natural taste, as well as 
ability, for it, then he had better turn his attention to other 
fields of employment. 

Although, as stated in the preface of this book, I am not a 
professional driver in races, yet I have occupied the judges' 
stand in many very good races, trotted by some of the best 
horses and driven by some of the most expert drivers of their 
time ; and from that standpoint, especially as it usually 
devolved upon me to act in the capacity of " starter " in the 
races, I have had an opportunity to learn very much as to how 
horses should be managed and driven in their best work. But 
the success in this business is not alone dependent upon the 
driver, for in the " swipe," or care-taker of the trotter, really 
depends nearly as much as upon the driver ; inasmuch as the 
best driver would be unable to win purses with the best trotters 
not in condition to trot. 

Were I in the business of campaigning a stable of trotters I 
should be very particular in my selection of the proj)er men to 
take care of the horses, as well as in the selection of the knight 
of the sulky to pilot them to victory. 

If a horse makes a sensational hit in a race the driver often 
gets all the credit, while the poor swipe gets left. 

(371) 



272 HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 

If the horse comes to the " scratch " out of condition, and, 
in consequence, loses the race, then the swipe usually gets all 
the blame for this state of a£fairs. 

Without doubt the talent necessary to be a successful 
trainer and developer of trotters, especially youngsters, is more- 
rarely found than is the same amount of ability as a driver in 
races. 

Another consideration is that a man who has thus been 
eminently successful rarely, if ever, fails to be a good driver in 
races ; whereas some of the most renowned " knights of the 
sulky " are far from being in the front rank of the profession 
or art of carrying animals from the primary school to . the 
graduating classes. 

It may seem singular to those not intimately acquainted 
"with the training of fast harness-horses that there should be 
any hesitancy in accepting advice from persons who, by study 
and experience, are fully qualified to give it ; but those wha 
have had such experience will agree with me that very many 
trainers, and some drivers as well, appear to regard suggestions 
as an implication of ignorance and resent it accordingly. 

It more frequently happens, perhaps, in this business than 
in most others that a young man engaged in the capacity of 
trainer or driver gets what is sometimes called "big-head," 
which, when it attacks its victim with severity, is a most stub- 
born disease, and in some cases is incurable, but usually 
succumbs to study and experience. 

I have known young men engaged a single season, perhaps, 
in the capacity of handling the trotter, that in their own esti- 
mation knew more about the trotting horse from beginning to 
end than those much more advanced in years, and who had 
made this subject a life-long study. 

As to the early training of the trotter, unless you are par 
ticularly anxious to give your colt a record at an early age, 
notwithstanding- all that has been written and said to the con- 
trary, I maintain, as heretofore stated in Training for Speed, 
Chap. XXIX, that early maturity means early decay. I would 



HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 273 

much rather have my colts intended for campaigning purposes 
grown up in their free and natural way until at least two years 
old, and if longer so much better for the durability of the 
animal. I may differ in this respect with some of the modern 
trainers and drivers, but agree with that great Wapoleon of the 
trotting turf of his day, Hiram Woodruff. J^either is my theory 
antagonistic to the staying and lasting qualities in such " old 
time " trotters as Imported Messenger's greatest son — on the 
trotting turf — old Topgallant, whose first race was made at 
the age of fourteen years ; or of Sherman Morgan's fastest 
trotting son, Ripton, who never stepped on a track until after 
he was five years old ; or of the reigning queen of the trotting 
turf of her time, Flora Temple, whose first race was when in 
her sixth year, and who was a regular campaigner for eleven 
years ; or of the -wonderful horse of his day, Dutchman, who 
had few, if any, equals ; he was on the trotting turf for many 
seasons, but first saw a race-track at the age of five years. 

The gamy mare. Lady Suffolk, was on the turf for thirteen 
successive seasons, her first appearance before the public did not 
occur, however, until she was five years old. 

Goldsmith Maid, the queen of all trotters in her day, and 
the first to lower the record to 2.14, was eight years old before 
making her first race, and remained constantl}'' on the turf until 
about twenty-one years old. 

Dexter, the trotting king of his day, and who for so long 
held the world's trotting record of 2.16f, had never eaten a 
bushel of oats — it is said — at four years old, and never saw a 
race-track until six years of age, and lived to be thirty years 
old. 

(See Old-time Trotters, Chap. XXYI.) 

It is true that we are now living in a faster age and have 
more fast trotters and more trotting tracks than in those times, 
and consequently, cannot afford to wait so long for the develop- 
ment of our horses ; but how long do the best eacees of the 

PEEIOD last ? 

18 



274 HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 

As stated in " Breaking and Training " (Chap. XXYIII), I 
believe in commencing the education of all colts at an early- 
age, and believe their teaching should be in harmony with the 
business afterwards expected of them ; but to hammer the life 
out of the poor things when they are but mere babies, as is 
often done, seems to me to be both cruel and inhuman. 

If, as in " Training for Speed " (see Chap. XXIX), the train- 
ing can be slowly and carefully conducted, it may be com- 
menced at a comparatively early period in the life of the 
youngster, who, if not pushed beyond his strength and capacity, 
may, in some respects, be advantageous. 

Now as to managing the trotting horse at the track. Our 
old-school doctors and farriers used to consider it necessary to 
first bleed their patients for all the spare blood there was in 
them ; all the early trainers and managers of trotters thought 
it necessary to first sweat, scrape, and physic the animals under 
their charge ; but time has changed their views on those sub- 
jects, and doctors now first experiment with their patients and 
" bleed them " afterwards, and so modern trainers have changed 
their minds as to sweating, scraping, and physicing. 

As to shoeing and properly balancing, much depends on the 
speed procured and the ease with which it is obtained. My 
views on shoeing may be found in full on page 319, Chapter 
XLI ; but I will here remark that the nearer you imitate nature 
and the least possible weight with which you can balance the 
colt, you should carry. 

As a rule, I would recommend the discarding of toe-weights 
altogether in training and managing horses on the track ; still, 
their use may be admissible in some cases, as there are gener- 
ally exceptions to all rules. 

I would, however, recommend the training of the coming 
trotter to trot in light shoes, and not ask him to go at a faster 
gait at first than he could be made to trot level and square in 
that way of going, and then increase the speed gradually ; but 
in this matter, as in so many others connected with the horse, 
there can be no definite, positive rules laid down to govern in 



HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 275 

all cases. A grain of oommonsense and practical good judg- 
ment to meet the emergencies of cases as they occur is often 
worth more than a pound of instruction by the wisest author. 

Trainers are too apt, I think, to jump to the conclusion that 
colts and green trotters need weights, when the difficulties that 
present themselves could be easily removed without resorting 
to this artificial assistance. I agree with Trainer Marvin when 
he says : " I need not enter into any argument to show that the 
ideal trotter will trot barefooted, needing no balancing other 
than what nature has given it ; and that the use of the shoe is 
simply to protect the foot, after which every ounce of weight 
has its detrimental influences. It may, however, become in 
some cases necessary ; but the careful trainer should, in such 
cases, endeavor to reduce and never in any case increase weight 
until certain that nothing else will remedy the difficulty en- 
countered. In case that you decide that it is best to put on 
weights and find that they remedy the trouble, do not for a 
moment think it will be always necessary to retain them ; but, 
after a little while, commence gradually reducing it until you 
get down, if possible, to an eight or ten-ounce shoe." 

If a horse is worked for speed at a rate that he can go fairly 
and squarely, going clean without weight or boot, his speed wiH 
naturally and gradually improve, and the final result will be 
much more satisfactory than if you had resorted to artificial 
appliances. 

Keep your trotter going square ; do not be too impatient if 
he inclines to hitch in his gait or to become generally unbal- 
anced ; take him back to a gait in which he can trot level and 
square by natural training before experimenting too much with 
his shoes. Other things being equal, the horse carrying the 
least weight will go fastest, stay better, and last longer than 
his weight-carrying rival. 

As to "jogging," its only object is to prepare the horse to 
trot by emptying his stomach, limbering up his joints, Avarming 
up his blood, and getting his whole organization ready for ac- 



276 HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 

tion. There is no real development of speed in jogging, but it 
is a simple preparatory service for the exhibition of speed. 

At the commencement of the season if your horse is too 
fleshy as well as soft, the best way to relieve him of this super- 
abundance of flesh is by the natural way of working it off, and 
not by sweat-blankets and hoods. I have but little use for 
either of them. Some horses will require much more work 
than others to accomplish this, but usually the more work the 
better horse ; after you have got your horse in a good driving 
trim, with flesh of a hard variety, then, and not until then, he 
should be given the greater portion of his work in hard brushes, 
as fast as possible. 

The principle of work for colts and mature horses is the 
same. To prepare a green horse for fast work, give plenty of 
exercise, careful grooming, and judicious feeding. Always in 
your work-outs work well within your horse's limits, and not 
overwork or over-tire and discourage him. With the fast mile 
and repeat business, as often practiced, your horse cannot but 
lose his speed to a great degree. On the day of the race you 
will want all the speed that you can command, and you should 
husband it well for that very purpose, as herein lies the suc- 
cess of all your past efforts. . 

Remember in training for races that " speed makes game- 
ness." The horse going within his limit will always outlast the 
one required to do his very best from wire to wire. In prepar- 
ing for the race you will soon learn to judge when the horse 
has had sufficient exercise, as he will show it by acting tired 
and losing his eagerness to go. At the first sign of this he 
should be taken to the stable. 

Care of the mouth in training is an important thing. See 
that it does not get sore, that the bit is not hurting it ; and en- 
deavor, if possible, to keep it in its natural, sensitive, and easy 
state ; very much depends on the condition of a horse's mouth 
at the time he is to enter a great race. 

The best drivers are those who so skillfully handle the reins 
that the horse is not only steadied in his work, but also receives 



HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 277 

a sort of electrical communication from the driver through the 
bit. Whenever a trainer or driver and his horse " get out " 
with each other, the sooner they part company the better for 
both ; neither can do himself justice while fighting the other. 
Work to be of the greatest benefit in any kind must be entered 
into with good temper on both sides. 

As to stabling the training horse while in training, the re- 
quired requisites are plenty of room, good light and ventilation, 
and, if possible, have each box-stall independent of the others, 
and each one having its own door and window. The stables 
should be located on high and dry ground, and quite convenient 
to the track. I like a southern exposure best, and half-doors, 
not only for their being more pleasant, but also of affording 
more freedom to the animals, who often in fine weather like to 
stand with heads and necks protruding, taking an interest in 
whatever may be going on, and thereby undoubtedly enjoying 
life much better than if closely housed. 

These stalls, as well as their occupants, should be kept per- 
fectly clean and free from all bad odors. Feed and water the 
animals regularly three times a day, and with judgment at all 
times ; watch and note the effect of food upon each individual 
and regulate the quantity and variety according to circum- 
stances. Horses differ in the necessary amount of food needed 
as they differ in the amount of work required. Quality is a 
great essential in food for the race track. All food should be 
clean and free from dust, and the importance of good water is 
equal to that of good food. 

On coming to the stable after the pupil has had his work- 
out give him a few swallows of water, then remove the harness, 
throw on the blanket, keep him out of the draft, scrape him off 
lightly (but not overdo the matter), and watch him closely lest 
he take cold. Be careful not to use too heavy a blanket, as you 
do not want to sweat your horse, only to keep him from taking 
cold. If he is pretty well warmed up when coming to the 
stable, then, after the scrape, a body wash may be applied, com-, 
posed as follows : 



378 HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTEES. 

One and one-half gallons pure cider vinegar. 

One quart full proof alcohol. 

Six ounces arnica flowers. 

Eight ounces salammoniac. 

Four ounces saltpetre. * 

Rain water to make three gallons. 

This should be quickly poured and rubbed over the loins 
and muscles of the shoulders ; after which the legs are band- 
aged ; then put on a light blanket ; then walk him slowly for 
some twenty minutes, letting him stop occasionally ; then, 
when he is nearly dry, take him and rub him out carefully and 
lightly. Hard rubbing a horse in racing condition is both 
irritable and painful. 

To bandage the legs properly is quite a knack, and you 
should remember that the lower part of the ankle and heels 
needs the support furnished by the bandages just as much as 
any part of the leg ; the object of the bandage is to brace the 
ankles and tendons until they are thoroughly rested after the 
strain of fast work. The bandage should be wrapped down 
and well under the fetlock ; it should be put on moderately 
tight and left on from one to two hours. 

As to cleaning tools, a soft bristle brush is preferable to 
stiff corn brushes, but the rub-cloths or towels, accompanied 
with plenty of elbow power, should do the principal work in 
cleaning the trotter. 

The importance of having good rubbers and the difiiculty of 
obtaining them confront every trainer. A good rubber or 
swipe will take the best care of three horses. 

The feet of the young trotter and campaigner should at all 
times receive the best of care ; they should be carefully cleaned 
and washed out and " stopped up "with clay every night while 
on the track. As a rule, I use no oil on the feet. For a wash 
I use the leg-wash previously recommended as a body wash 
also; rub this well in by the hand, along the joints and 
tendons ; then bandage with a pliable or open bandage of po- 
rous texture, being careful that it is not too tight and thus in- 



HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 379 

terfering with the circulation ; it should not be left on more 
than ten hours, or the legs may become heated. 

I have but little, if any, use for the soaking tub for the feet ; 
a walk in the dewy grass in the summer is, to my notion, 
much better. Marvin says : 

" It is well to learn to drive by the watch, provided you 
don't try to beat it ; it improves a man's judgment of pace and 
hence teaches him to rate more evenly." 

It is well enough to let time be your guide but not a com- 
petitor with your horse in training. In preparing for a race a 
trainer should not overwork his horse so as to dull his spirits 
and get him " track-sick." At every stage of preparation the 
trainer's judgment should come to his aid and guide him as to 
what to do, when to do, and how far to go. Just as horses 
differ so must the methods differ. In preparation for important 
races the jogging should not be left to the boys, but should be 
done by the trainer himself, as in this branch of the horse's 
education much is at stake, as mouth, gait, and temper are all 
directly • involved. In order to be most successful, one hand 
should do all the driving ; the horse will readily perceive the 
difference. Attention to details amounts to much, in this as 
in other branches of business. Marvin says : " The man who 
gets into the sulky after the horse is ready to work, drives 
him his mile and repeats and leaves all the rest to rubbers 
to do if they will, and how they will, may have an easy and 
pleasant position in this life but he Avon't break many records." 

In the race be sure to have everything in readiness to the 
clanging of the judge's bell ; don't let that rattle you in the 
least, even if it is your first race ; keep cool and attend strictly 
to your business ; always co-operate with the starter and en- 
deavor to prevent delay in starting. 

After receiving the word " Go," do the best you can to get 
to the front, and stay there, if your horse can do so within him- 
self, but don't waste a fraction of speed, any more than is nec- 
essary to safely win, without the necessity of driving head and 
head finishes. 



280 HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTERS. 

After the heat treat your horse as in his brushes of " work- 
outs " while in training. If he fails to scrape well, however, 
and seems unduly distressed, sprinkle him with tepid water 
from a watering-pot, then sponge him over. Sometimes cold 
water will do as well, and either will generally relieve him. 
In some rare cases it may be necessary to give some internal 
stimulants, — whisky is, perhaps, as good as anything, then, — 
although as a rule I do not approve of using any such stimu- 
lant. 

Between heats (after the second or third), feed your horse 
one or two quarts of good clean oats, as it cannot be expected 
that a hungry horse can trot and last through a long, hard 
race. He cannot trot on a full stomach but requires some 
nourishment to keep him strong and to prevent that gnawing, 
" all-gone " feeling at the stomach. 

Make up your mind to win the race if possible ; do so fairly 
without trickery or jockeying. Don't try to say smart things 
to the starter ; give the judges no back talk. 

It has been truthfully said that drivers are born, not made, 
and it is impossible to teach any man so that he can get up be- 
hind a horse and drive him successfully in a race, unless he has 
the natural gift for it. 

A driver going out on a campaign w^ith horses is not, by 
any means, on a pleasure excursion, if he should attend prop- 
erly to his business. He should stay right with his horses, 
always remembering 

" The time to succeed is when others, 
Discouraged, show traces of tire; 
The battle is fought in the home-stretch 
And won 'twixt the flag and the wire." 



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CHAPTER XXXYI. 

BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 

Requisite qualifications — Location — Suavity — Expert on horses — Buying 
for the market — Showing sale horses — The coachman. 

BEFORE deciding to engage in horse-dealing as a business 
my advice to any person is to first consider his qualifica- 
tions for this business ; in order to make this business a success 
one should have a special adaptation for it. As to the requisite 
qualifications of the successful dealer in horses, he should, first 
of all, fully understand the horse in all respects, and know just 
how to correct or humor his whims and to show him to the 
best possible advantage to his friends and customers. He 
should as fully understand the examination of the horse which 
he contemplates purchasing for his customers as the veterinary 
who examines and passes on the horses offered for cavalry ser- 
vice of a government or nation. He should be a good buyer, 
as a thing well bought is half sold ; he should also be a good 
salesman ; and I would say right here that to be a good sales- 
man is perhaps one of the very bes]b trades a man can possess. 
He must also understand human nature as well as horse 
nature ; must at all times be pleasant and agreeable ; always 
be ready to listen to a story and occasionall}?' tell a good one, 
and should try to be an all-around good fellow, but not a 
drinking man nor a gambler. A man to be a successful dealer 
in horses must at all times carry a clear head on his shoulders, 
and in order to do this he cannot be a patron of a barroom or 
a saloon. Let your customer drink if he chooses, but you just 
keep perfectly sober at all times, and thus be always ready for 
business. 

As to general trade or commerce, almost any little " Jew " 
can successfully deal in dry goods or ready-made clothing ; it 

(281) 



282 BUYING AND. SELLING HORSES. 

don't require a college education to run a grocery store or meat 
market, or to successfully deal in other commodities, from 
brick and lime to watches and jewelry. It does not require an 
unusually smart man to be a lawyer, as lawyers run, especially 
if he is a natural liar and void of conscience. 

To be a successful politician, chicanery and a free gift of 
gab seems to fill the bill. To be a minister of the gospel does 
not require an abundance of learning or of really busiuess 
qualifications to be successful, as for instance, an illiterate man 
like Sam Jones can make a temporary success of this business 
almost equal to the better and more highly educated. As I 
have said, it don't require great talent to become a successful 
lawyer, politician, merchant, or minister; neither does it re- 
quire great talent to become an ordinary or even a good 
mechanic ; but when we come to the business of buying and 
selling horses we find that it tries a man for all he is worth ; a 
business that cannot be successfully carried on by the ordinary 
business man, and a man to succeed must have a peculiar talent 
for this very business. 

To be a successful dealer in horses as a permanent business, 
the first requirement is to fully understand the horse in all his 
moods and variations. Next, one must be a business man and 
attend strictly to his business and cater to the .wants and de- 
mands of his customers. He should be a good buyer and a 
good salesman. 

As regards location for this business, my observation and 
experience teaches me that it is better to locate at the selling 
instead of the buying end of the route. I know that each end 
has its advantages, but give me the money end in preference 
to the breeding, as a rule. 

Dealing in live stock, other than horses, absorbs much 
vitality from a successful salesman, with close competition ; 
also calls for more or less exposure and fatigue ; but it requires 
far less skill, good judgment, and shrewdness to handle sheep, 
cattle, or swine than it does horses. "When a man has the 
ability to handle horses there is no doubt more pleasure and 



BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 283 

many times more chance for large profits than in the case of 
handling other stock. 

The dealer, if not already possessed of the required amount, 
should cultivate suavity ; it will be found a highly essential 
qualification, not only to the horse dealer, but to all other 
dealers ; it helps in a great degree to sell his goods. 

A horse dealer should be able to carry form, color, and size 
in his eye to the extent of matching a horse in Boston with one 
in Chicago, or a horse in Philadelphia with one in San Fran- 
cisco, if necessary. There are times when good money may 
be made by buying good horses singly, matching them closely, 
and selling in pairs to people well able to buy them and pay 
good prices for them. 

Honesty, truthfulness, and square dealing is just as neces- 
sary to success in horse dealing as in any other business ; and 
the man who departs from this method of dealing with his 
customers cannot expect to retain them or to long prosper in 
the business. 

To be excessively sharp or tricky may work for once, but 
cannot be successfully repeated in the same locality. It has 
been said '' one may fool all of the people some of the time, 
some of the people all of the time, but not all of the people all 
the time." This was applied to politics, but may be applied 
to business as well, and horse business in particular. 

The buyer of horses for the purpose of selling again at a 
profit cannot be too shrewd, observant, or particular ; he 
should have the eye of the eagle, coupled with good horse 
knowledge and much experience in the business. His success 
will depend more on his eyes than his ears when making pur- 
chases. There are so many things about a horse that do not 
show on the surface and that require almost superhuman 
knowledge to detect, that it places this business of horse buy- 
ing — whether for the market or for individual use — among 
the most scientific branches of trade in which man may be- 
come engaged. 

Having received — whether worthy or not — the title of 



S84 BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 

■*' expert on horses," I will give my readers my rules for judg- 
ing horses in buying. First, after a general casual look-over of 
the animal under consideration, I commence as does a good 
builder — builder of wells excepted — at the bottom ; first of 
all I examine the feet, especially the front feet. The old say- 
ing is — and there never was a truer — " No foot, no horse." 
I insist on a sound foot, or at least one closely approximating 
that of soundness. An otherwise good horse need not be dis- 
carded for a temporary ailment, however, such as thrush, for 
instance, that can readily be cured. 

When I have passed on the foot I then proceed upwards on 
the legs, examining each one separately, running my hand the 
■entire length and feeling for splints, puffs, or anything liable 
to terminate in lameness or to -be detrimental when selling on 
a competitive market. When examining the legs and joints I 
look sharply for curbs, spavins, and thoroughpins on the hind 
legs and for splmts, weak or sprung knees on the front, or a 
tendency to either of the above on all places where liable to 
occur. When examining a horse for spavin the best position 
for it is a " squatting " one in front, where you can see alike 
the inside of both hock joints at the same time. 

After thoroughly convincing myself that the underpinning 
is all right, my next move is to critically examine the eyes ; 
these have been, in the human family, termed the windows of 
the soul ; if horses have no souls, still these eyes are the means 
by which they connect themselves with the outer world, and it 
is a matter of great importance that such windows be not 
darkened. 

I like a good, bright, hazel eye, but, as this is not very com- 
mon among horses, then give me a lively, pleasant eye of an- 
other shade, with not too much white around the edges. I 
would much rather find white than red, however, as I never 
was partial to red-eyed horses or green-eyed dogs. 

To a natural horseman, well up in his business, very much 
of the character and disposition of a horse may be determined 
from his eyes ; yet it w^ould be a diificult matter for any in- 



BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 285 

structor to give his pupils any definite rules to follow in this 
particular branch of character reading. If not already inher- 
ent, such knowledge can be gained only by experience and ob- 
servation. 

After I have examined the eye, I next consult the mouth: 
as to the age and general condition of the teeth. I look at the- 
tongue to see if it has at any time been severely lacerated with 
the bit, and to determine whether the ligaments holding it in 
place have been strained, as is sometimes the case, causing the 
animal to carry his tongue out of the mouth in a lolling 
position. 

On raising the mane I like to see a good, long curl or rosette 
on the neck, but this is not essential — only a matter of taste ; 
yet it quite frequently helps, by many dollars, the sale of a 
horse. 

Examine the nose for heaves, poor wind, or difficult breath- 
ing from any cause ; the nose is a great indicator to those wha 
properly understand its teachings. 

See the horse driven in harness ; stand behind him, in front 
of him, and let him pass by you, thus viewing him from all sides, 
in his movements. Immediately after being stopped examine 
his breathing and the inflation of the nostril and movement of 
the flanks ; pinch him on the back over the kidneys to see if he 
flinches there, which, if he is weak in the back or wrong in the 
kidneys, he is quite liable to do. 

Lift the tail to ascertain the stiffness of the dock, remember- 
ing that as a rule a very limber dock indicates lack of stamina. 
Examine closely and thoroughly in the harness and out, on the 
walk and on the trot, standing still as well as moving ; back 
him and watch the effect. If he "passes muster" in all of 
these trials, and you are satisfied with him and can purchase at 
a fair price, it is generally safe to do so. Even then, as you. 
become better acquainted with your animal, he may surprise 
you with the developing of some disease or some trick for which 
you were not looking, and which you were by no means curious 
to meet ; for, after the most expert horse-buyer has seen all 



286 BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 

that was visible from the outside, he has not yet seen all those 
hidden internal mysteries which will sometimes raise havoc with 
the animal he purchases. 

I once knew a man who had three sons, of whom he said : " I 
intend James for a lawyer and William for a manufacturer ; 
but as to John, I don't believe he will ever amount to more 
than a first-class horse jockey." He evidently failed to see that 
a first-class horse jockey needed to possess more brains than 
either the lawyer or manufacturer, or both combined. 

Look for brains and a level head as well as feet, limbs, and 
body when buying a horse. An animal may be " as sound as 
a, Spanish milled dollar " and as " handsome as a picture," but 
if he lacks a level head he is never a safe horse to use at 
anything, and seldom of value for any purpose. ^N^early as 
much variety as regards common-sense exists among horses 
as in the human family. 

SHOWING SALE HOESES. 

In successful horse-dealing very much depends upon the 
manner in which the goods are shown to the prospective cus- 
tomer. As there is so much difference in horses and the require- 
ments of them so varied, there can be no definite rules laid 
•down in this matter. I can, however, give a short code of gen- 
eral rules that may be safely adhered to. 

In showing small and medium-sized horses in harness, the 
seller should be provided with a good new, or nearly new, well- 
fitting harness. If the animal be of a light color, such as gray, 
white, or cream, the harness should be trimmed with black. 
Tor a black or dark-colored horse the harness may have nickel 
or white metal trimmings. For heavy horses intended for ex- 
press business or teaming, when shown singly, have the harness 
to compare with the horse in size, well fitting, and usually 
trimmed with brass, well polished. As to a vehicle in which to 
show driving horses, have a light, well-made road wagon, suit- 
able for two persons to ride in, hung quite low with medium 
low wheels, painted black, kept well varnished, and as clean as 



BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 287 

possible. Always carry a good buggy whip, but be very care- 
ful in its use ; just let your horse know that you have it. 

Before showing your sale horses have them properly 
trained ; do not wait until the time comes to show the goods be- 
fore getting them ready for inspection. Some horses show best 
with open bridle, others the reverse, consequently have both 
kinds. In exhibiting your animal be careful not to ask him to 
do anything out of the usual routine unless you are quite sure 
he is capable of performing it to your satisfaction — unless, in- 
deed, your customer especially desires you so to do. Never 
strike him with a whip unless you are quite sure how he will 
take it. 

I once knew a horse-dealer who, when showing a fine pair 
of Vermont blacks to a customer in ISTew York city who was 
riding with him, overdid himself in the following manner. The 
trade was virtually accomplished ; the animals had shown off 
to the satisfaction of the customer, when the dealer, fool-like, 
must give one of the animals a sharp cut with the whip — a 
performance wholly uncalled for, and which was responded to 
with raised heels that flew through the dasher. The bargain 
was immediately declared off, much to the disappointment of 
the dealer, who was about to realize some $500 profit on the 
transaction. 

Large horses intended for teaming purposes often show to 
the best advantage in new, well-fitting team harness, especially 
so when sold in pairs. When selling for speed, and having a 
suitable place to show your animal's true gait, of course you 
want him so hitched and driven as to appear at the best 
possible advantage, without ' making him a walking, trotting, 
pacing, or running advertisement for any emporium of race- 
horse appliances. 

Many times after a dealer has succeeded in pleasing a 
wealthy customer with a fine coach team or a good and safe 
family horse, he then has that ever dreaded obstacle, the 
*' coachman," to overcome. In many cases, unless he is first 
bought, and that at an exorbitant price, the sale cannot be 



288 BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 

consummated ; for, if the sale is made without the full endorse- 
ment and approval of this important functionary, the horses will 
almost invariably go wrong in some way and the deal will be 
upset. It is the coachman who has the full charge of them, 
and he can easily make it appear to his employer and to his 
emploj^er's family that the horse or team does or does not suit 
them. 

In many cases the dealer will find this functionary of such 
a grasping and penurious disposition as to require from fifty to 
one hundred dollars. In some cases I have known them to de- 
mand more than that ere his permission fon his employer to 
make the purchase could be obtained, but when this matter is 
once amicably settled with the coachman he at once becomes a 
powerful auxiliary in making the sale and also in making it 
a permanent and satisfactor}^ purchase to his employer, no mat- 
ter whether the animals are quite all right or not. 

It is always seen by the shrewd dealer — this great necessity 
of being in the good graces of the coachman, as on him alone, 
in many cases, hangs the possibility of a sale. Of course this 
$50 or $100, or whatever the coachman's fees, as it is called, 
may amount to, necessarily comes out of the purchaser, as, with 
the present competition in trade, no dealer can afford to take 
this sum out of his profits. Consequently the dealer in fine 
goods of this description is forced by circumstances to fix his 
price at such a sum above what he would otherwise be willing 
to sell them in order to meet the above contingencies of trade. 



CHAPTEE XXXYII. 

SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

Author's experience in trade — Brighton Market — Swapping with a minister 
— Putting off for slight faults — My neighbor's horse trade — Getting 
a fitty one. 

WHEN quite a young man, having much confidence in 
my own knowledge of horses and in my ability to 
handle them, and always having a great love for them, I con- 
ceived the idea of " turning an honest penny " by engaging in 
the risky and somewhat uncertain business of "swapping" 
horses. 

I expect that if in my first trade I had been swindled out of 
m.y horse entirely it would have been the best thing for me, 
but, perhaps unluckily for me, my first four or five trades were 
quite successful. I then thought myself on the sure road to 
prosperity, especially so if I could bring my conscience to a 
point wherein I could exaggerate just a little on the qualities 
and value of my stock in trade. 

Of course I took it for granted that whatever others told 
me of their horses could be relied upon ; I did not suppose peo- 
ple would lie in a horse-trade any more than in any other busi- 
ness transaction, and right here is where I got badly left ; for 
now, after forty years in business of different kinds, I find many 
whose word is not worth a picayune in trade when a lie will 
make them a dollar, more or less ; yet I believe a man will 
sooner lie in a horse-trade than any other. Why is this ? Is 
there or should there be anything demoralizing about horses or 
horse-dealing.? 

It has been said of all animals from man down to the low- 
est, a woman and a horse are the most deceiving. Not know- 
ing as much about women as horses I cannot exactly decide in 

19 (289) 



290 SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

this matter, but that there is much deception in the horse, and 
that even the best judges and smartest dealers are sometimes 
liable to be deceived and cheated in a horse-trade, I do know. 

Once, many j^ears ago, I swapped horses with a minister, 
whose excuse in wishing to make this trade was that his horse, 
weighing some 1,100 or 1,200 pounds, was too heavy for him, 
and as I had a compact Morgan-built chunk of about 900 
pounds in weight, he liked him much better. He guaranteed 
his horse "sound as the Rock of Ages" so far as he knew ; of 
course he would not warrant him because he was not a horse 
man or a dealer ; he did not, of course, know what would hap- 
pen to the horse afterwards, but at that time he believed him 
to be absolutely sound. After the trade was made and the 
goods had changed hands, I found that his horse had a slight 
spavin coming on, and so slight as to be scarcely noticed, only 
on closest examination, yet enough to lame him after a hard 
drive. 

On sending a delegate to interview the minister concerning 
his horse trade and who pretended that he knew the minister 
must necessarily be cheated in trading with a horse man and a 
dealer, the good soul got cleverly out of it by saying that he 
should not have made the trade only that he knew that his 
horse had a spavin coming and would soon be so lame as to be 
useless to him. 

It is frequently the case when one, having a horse that does 
not suit him in every particular, feels inclined to " swap " or 
trade him off for something different, as for instance : one has a 
good horse, sound, kind, and all right but when turned out in the 
field is very hard to catch, so much so that the owner resolves 
not to be bothered with him, but trade him off for one that is 
good to catch, but comparativelj^ good for nothing when 
caught. 

Another has a horse that is all right except that he pulls a 
little hard on the bit, so he swaps him for one that does not 
pull on the bit but requires to be pushed with the whip, instead, 
in order to get anywhere with him. 



SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 291 

A third has a good horse with the exception that he is un- 
willing to stand while he gets into the buggy, so he, becoming 
disgusted with him, trades him off for one that is quite willing 
to stand while he gets in and gets well fixed, but is unwilling 
to start when he is all ready to go. 

Another has a very good horse, he says, but which does not 
quite suit because it paws in the stable, and failing to cure it 
of that habit he swaps for one that is perfectly quiet in the 
stable, and for that matter is very quiet in all other places and 
especially so when wanted to be otherwise. 

Another has an excellent mare, he claims, only " she has a 
touch of the heaves," and requires her food to be moistened 
every time, for if fed to her in a dry condition she will cough 
and otherwise show signs of distress ; so he swaps her off for 
one that has no heaves, but the second or third night he has 
her she knocks the side of his barn off during a fit. 

And yet another has a beautiful gray mare all right in 
every particular, only that when she sheds her coat in the 
spring for the matter of two or three weeks he gets covered 
with white hairs and he don't like it, and declares he will get 
rid of her before another shedding time comes ; so he swaps 
her for a " dark horse " that not only sheds just as many hairs 
on his owner's coat, but of color that does not show just as 
plainly, and proves himself a veritable " dark horse " in many 
ways. 

How often have I known a good horse traded for one not 
worth half as much as the one traded, just to get rid of one 
fault, and how often have I seen the man who made such a 
trade so sick of his bargain as to be really miserable for weeks. 

Many years ago I made up my mind that perfection in a 
horse has not nor never will be attained, whatever may have 
been preached or written to the contrary. "When you show 
me a perfect horse (or a perfect man, even), then I will proba- 
bly confess that I know but little about horses or men. 

I do not wish to be understood to advise against horse-trad- 
ing or horse-dealing but simply to warn the general farmer or 



292 SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

horse owner from rushing into the horse-swapping business 
merely because he happens to have a horse with but a single 
fault ; as in so doing he often comes in contact with such men 
as we would, on after-thought, rather not have met ; men (such 
as Bill Nye once said of the heathen Chinee), " whose ways are 
peculiar." 

To better illustrate my views in this nlatter, I will give you 
some of my own experience in the matter of dealing with such 
characters. I suppose I could write quite a book embracing 
all of my experiences, together with those of my neighbors 
and friends which have come directly under my observation, 
but the few following cases must suffice. 

I once bought a chestnut mare at auction in the Brighton 
market ; she was eight years old, and in foal. She had her 
tail braided and done up in shipping style, in the same way 
that horse-dealers manage the tails of their best horses when 
shipping them to eastern markets, to prevent rubbing and in- 
jury to their appearance. 

The young man in charge of this mare showed her in 
harness, and demonstrated her kindness and especially her 
disposition as to kicking by crawling from the express wagon 
to which she was hitched out on her back, and by sliding him- 
self down between the cross-piece of the shaft and her heels, 
etc., etc. The jockey's story was this : A northern dealer had 
brought into Boston a car-load of good horses, and as this 
mare, although one of the best in the lot, had shown to be in 
foal, she was left over when the others were sold, and as the 
dealer could not afford to remain in Boston with one horse, 
and could not afford the expense of shipping a single one 
back to Yermont, he had placed her in the hands of this 
clever, honest young man to sell for whatever he could get, 
while he, himself, set his face toward the north star in order to 
procure another car-load. 

Now, as this nice young man was no horse jockey or regu- 
lar dealer, and his instructions were to get rid of the mare for the 
most money she would brings and at the least possible expense, 



SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 293 

and as the people of Boston would have no use for a mare in 
foal, he had thought his best chance of securing a customer lay 
among the farmers, who were better situated to raise a fine 
Yermont-bred colt than any other customer whom he might be 
able to strike. Consequently, he considered his best plan to 
lie in taking her over to the Brighton Cattle Market on 
market day when many farmers and live-stock dealers from 
all over that section of the country would be there, and have 
her sold at auction to the highest bidder for cash. The sale, 
being a public one, would leave no ground for complaint from 
the owner that he had not acted honestly in the transaction. 
Honesty and a good name was what this young man claimed 
to possess and he could not well afford to do anything disrepu- 
table whereby the public faith in him might be shaken. 

Well, the final result of this whole transaction was that he 
sold that $200 or $300 mare for a regular low-down stealing 
price, for a price, as the honest auctioneer remarked at the 
time, that one could much better afford to pay than to run 
the risk incident upon stealing her, — and /was the lucky (?) 
purchaser. Only think of it ! I had procured a $200 Vermont 
Morgan mare (some of the party claimed her to be worth 
$300), with foal by old Daniel Lambert himself, for about one- 
quarter of her actual value. 

" Yery well," I soliloquized, " this bargain will offset several 
poor trades made by being duped and lied to by regular horse- 
jockeys, with whom I had really no business to deal." 

On taking the mare home to my stable, I told my two 
small boys who were in the barn at the time, that I would 
show them a beautiful kinkly tail, as it had been done up so 
long it must necessaril}^ be kinkled and curled to a very high 
degree, and I at once proceeded to untie it. " I cut and took off 
string after string, also a lot of burlap, and finally the tail it- 
self came off also ; i. e. the false tail, leaving a stub some six or 
eight inches in length — long enough to "tie to," however. 

lN"ever, perhaps, in any after development of a horse trade 
have I received so great a shock as when I had cut the last 



294 SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

string and Emma's tail came off with it. The situation 
dawned on my mind at once. I had secured a " rein hugger " 
and a kicker, and undoubtedly one standing at the head of her 
class at that. Further developments demonstrated to me that 
she was subject to kicking fits, and when attacked by one of 
these would make kindling wood of anything coming in con- 
tact with her heels. 

She reduced a nice, stout express wagon into a sorry look- 
ing vehicle for me, and if, with plenty of help, I had not 
been able to disconnect her from it, I doubt if the wheels even 
would have been left. 

I once traded for a pair of gray Canadian ponies, colored 
and marked exactly alike, and of which, from their close re- 
semblance to each other, I was quite proud. They were a 
beautiful dappled gray in color, with black manes, and the 
upper part of their tails — about half — was black and the bal- 
ance milk white. They were very showy for ponies and quite 
stylish, but after I had owned them for a short time, while the 
color of one remained intact, I found that the other had been 
colored somewhat to match her mate, as her mane and tail 
soon became all white and most of her dapple disappeared. 

I once bought a gray mare in Brighton — a Messenger (?) 
mare, from a farmer's son, coming from one of the rural dis- 
tricts of Massachusetts. He had, he said, driven in from home 
that morning, a distance of about eighteen miles, with two 
horses mainly for the purpose of selling one of them, as they 
had three altogether and were not situated to winter more than 
two. It was then in the fall ; he said they had needed three 
during a part of the season, and especially during the haying 
season, but now that the work was over they desired very 
much to dispose of one horse, more especially so because of the 
shortage of their recent crop. 

His outfit consisted of a brown horse eight or nine years old 
of about 1,200 pounds, and a gray mare of seven years old " as 
pretty as a picture," but weighing only about 900 pounds. He 
jiad them tied to his wagon on the street eating hay from the 



SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 295 

waffon that he had brought from home to feed them with and 
thus save expense. He was a very honest appearing lad of 
seventeen or eighteen summers and ahnost as many winters. 
He said they wanted to sell so bad that his father had told him 
to sell the one that would sell the best, but for some reasons 
they would rather keep the gray mare, as she w^as a great road- 
ster and very highly bred, in case they should conclude to raise 
a colt. On the other hand, as they had quite a lot of cord- 
wood to haul to market the next winter, the horse would be 
worth the most for that purpose, and at the same time the 
horse mated the one left at home better than the mare did; 
although the mare would pull her part with any of them. 

This farmer's son was one of the most honest appearing lads 
I have ever talked with, and to help him out I purchased the 
gray mare, and I thought the best way to get her home — ■ 
some forty miles — was to drive her ; so after paying for her I 
started out to purchase a cheap vehicle and harness for that 
purpose. "When I had got my outfit complete I found that the 
mare was tied to the fence and the boy and the other horse 
Avas gone. I at once harnessed and hitched my purchase to a 
second-hand tilbury, but with all the coaxing and persuading I 
was master of, and with the assistance of friends, she could not 
be induced to pull an empty and light vehicle of two wheels a 
rod. In order to help me out of my dilemma there were 
plenty of kind people about who expressed their willingness 
to help me out by letting me have something that I could 
drive, the result being that I traded with an Irish horse- 
jockey, and got a fine roan mare that I knew would draw a 
wagon as I had ridden after and driven her in one before 
making the exchange and paying my boot money. 

This mare I took home, and on examination I found a small 
cord about the size of a fish-line tied so tightly around the top 
of her head, at the base of the ears, as to have cut nearly its 
bigness into the flesh. "When this was taken off and after heal- 
ing up the sore and giving her a two- weeks rest, I found her so 
completely useless and a chronic biilker that I concluded to 



296 SWAPPING HORSES AND HOESE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

breed her, and after getting her safely in foal to sell or trade 
her off as a brood mare and not as a general purpose horse. 
As I lived on Prudence Island, R. I., at the time, I started for 
Kewport with my mare for the purpose of breeding her. 
While on the ISTewport steamer I met a horse-jockey who 
seemed much interested in my mare and after learning of my 
intention of breeding her, revealed the fact that he was the 
owner of a fine blood bay Morgan mare much more suitable 
for the purpose of a brood mare than was mine, and said he 
would give me a good trade for mine. Consequently, as I had 
no fear of being cheated in any trade that I could make with 
this mare, provided I gave no boot, I swapped with him even 
for a beautiful bay mare which was out to grass, and had not 
been harnessed for some time although sound and all right, 
and notwithstanding it was in the busy season of gay New- 
port when the services of almost every animal on the island 
were called into demand. 

This mare had a docked tail, and as it was past the time 
when docked tails were fashionable I naturally inquired as to the 
cause, and was told by her honest (?) owner just whv she came 
to be docked. 

He said : " You see it was just this way ; she was owned by 
a farmer on the island who was of a hasty and nervous dispo- 
sition, and one day when mowing with her — on one of those 
days when the flies will torment a horse almost beyond endur- 
ance — this mare in fighting flies with her tail accidentally 
caught the rein and was so frightened on the account that she 
kicked just once ; this so surprised and irritated her owner that 
he had her bereft of her beautiful tail at once and was so ex- 
asperated with her that he got rid of her as soon as practi- 
cable." 

This mare, given a fair trial, proved herself a high kicker 
when in the mood, but to her credit I will say there were times 
when she worked very satisfactorily, and furthermore, while in 
my hands she did lots of it. 

Once while buying cattle in the Brighton market my atten- 



SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 297 

tion was called to a beautiful dark chestnut mare, and being in 
hands of parties unable to hold her she was about to be sold at 
auction for whatever she would bring. Her pedigree was well 
established and would be furnished the buyer as soon as it 
could be obtained from the breeder. At the sale she showed 
well in harness ; I bought her ; she was drugged to death and 
died that night. 

I once bought a horse at auction in Brighton, a very smooth 
and pretty ba}'' horse of the Ethan Allen type, absolutely 
sound ui wind and limb, " not a pimple on him," smooth as a 
mole, handsome and stylish, so far as appearances went. I ob- 
tained him at a very low price. He proved to have a cancer on 
the penis and lived but a short time. 

I once had a tenant on a farm of mine that had a horse 
that was all right and suited him in every respect save one, 
and that one fault was in not standing forhhn to shut the lane 
gate near the house on his return home after having driven 
him out ; he would stand all right going from home, but on his 
return was so anxious to get to the barn that he would not 
allow his master time to shut and fasten the gate. 

He, consequently, swapped him for one that he could not 
use with safety anywhere, and was obliged to make a second 
trade. The second time he got a horse that not only would 
stand for him to shut the gate, but would stand whenever he 
felt in the mood, and no amount of whipping or coaxing would 
make him do other than stand. 

I once sold to a neighbor of mine in Connecticut a pair of 
coal black Canadian horses for $500. They were a good pair, 
young, sound,, and all right, and worked together. One of 
them was of a more nervous disposition than the other, and 
consequently rather the better horse of the two, especially so 
as a single driver on the road. This sale was made in the 
spring, and after haying that summer their owner told me he 
was well suited with them, and that they were the best team 
he had ever owned, but some*time during August of that sea- 
son, while out driving the nervous one, he was suddenly over- 



298 ■ SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 

taken by one of those terrible ISTew England thunder storms, 
and in this case the thunder was most terriiic and the light- 
ning almost incessant. The result was his horse became very 
nervous, and much excited, and tried to run ; and as he was 
driving with one hand and carrying an umbrella in the other, 
he dropped the umbrella in order to have both hands to man- 
age the horse. The umbrella had a crooked handle, and this 
crook caught somewhere either around the shaft or some other 
place and drew along on the ground beside the horse, which 
frightened him still more, and as he could not run he resorted 
to the alternative of kicking. He only kicked once, but that 
once was enough to frighten his owner to the extent of never 
wishing to use him any more. Consequently he was ready to 
" swap." 

"Well, it so happened that a neighbor of his, and living on 
a farm adjoining his, but on another road, had a very old black 
horse which, on account of his age, he did not care to winter, 
although he had been a good one and was about the size and 
much the same build as the pair mentioned — he being a Cana- 
dian, also. Well, the old black, horse was disposed of and his 
place filled by a younger horse, and one day a stranger came 
to the farmhouse of the gentleman owning the pair and driv- 
ing a fine-looking black horse. He said that he had heard that 
the proprietor of the place had a dangerous, vicious, and un- 
ruly horse to dispose of, and that he wished to match a good 
one of a black color. He had the goods with him to do it 
with. 

After thoroughly trying the stranger's horse, both double 
and single, it was decided that he was perfectly safe in all har- 
ness, and there was no doubt that he was the horse wanted to 
fill the place of that terrible runner and kicker. The stranger 
asked $200 to boot, but finally the deal was consummated by 
my neighbor giving the stranger his horse and a check for $150. 
A short time after this trade a local horse jockey called on my 
neighbor of the pair, saying that he had heard that a mate had 
been obtained for his favorite horse, and being: shown the new 



SWAPPING HORSES AND HORSE JOCKEY TRICKS. 299 

acquisition, exclaimed : " Why, that is the old horse ; 

didn't you know him ? Well, you ought to, for he has been 
owned on the next farm to you for upwards of twenty years ! "^ 

On being thoroughly convinced that this was the case, the 
old horse was again for sale, and found the same purchaser 
again at the same price — $10 — only in this case the price paid 
was in barter and amounted to $12, while in the first instance 
it was $10 in cash. 

I once had an old friend (who was also a relative by mar- 
riage) who, for a farmer, was quite a trader in live stock and 
used to enjoy trading horses. While not an expert in this line,, 
he was a pretty good judge of such animals, had good natural 
ability, and understood himself pretty well. Consequently, I 
think he about held his own in the horse department of his- 
business. I remember, when visiting him on one occasion, of 
his telling me of several quite smart and shrewd, as Avell as 
profitable, horse trades made by himself ; whereupon I re- 
marked that I should suppose after making so many good 
trades he would be able to build a new barn on his farm, as I 
knew .he needed one sadly, and I had often heard him express 
a desire to have one, but claimed that he was unable, finan- 
cially, to build. 

" Well, John," says the old man, " I have been telling you. 
of the good trades only, as they are all I care to remember." 

I once " swapped " off a horse because he was too slow for 
me. I traded with a jockey, and got one that proved to be as 
much too fast as the other was too slow, inasmuch as I had not 
owned her more than a week before she, in a running fit, took me 
over my fields on a hay-rake much faster than I cared to traveL 

Of course I was then ready to trade with another jockey 
for a slower one. The fools were not all dead then — neither 
do I believe they are now, for that matter. When I had been 
swindled the worst and felt the most like giving up trying to. 
have anything more to do with horse trading, there was usually 
some " smart Aleck " ready to come forward and relieve me of 
that which was causing me to feel so blue. 



CHAPTER XXXYIIL 

DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY THE TEETH, ETC. 

Description of teeth at different ages — Number of a full set — Classes — 
Bishoping — Explanatory cuts — Shedding — Full mouth — General 
signs of old age — Comparative age of man and horse — Great age 
of horses — Zoologists' claim. 

THE teeth of the horse are developed within their appro- 
priate cavities or sockets, which are found exactly- 
corresponding with their number in the upper and lower jaws, 
being narrower in the lower than in the upper. 

At birth they are in a state of incomplete growth, covered 
and concealed by the gums, but soon afterwards they cut their 
way through the gums in pairs, the first set, or milk teeth, be- 
ing in course of time superseded by the permanent teeth, as in 
all the mammalia. 

The complete dentition of the horse comprise forty teeth, 
divided into three classes, viz. : Incisors, Canine, and Molar. 
The incisors, or front teeth, comprise twelve, six upper and six 
under ; the canine, or bridle teeth, four, two each upper and 
lower; while the molars, or jaw teeth, consist of twenty- 
four, twelve on each upper and lower jaw. Each tooth is de- 
veloped within its corresponding cavity in the jaw, and is com- 
posed of three distinct substances — cement, enamel, and 
dentine. 

The cement of the horse's teeth closely corresponds in text- 
ure with his bone, and, like it, is traversed by vascular canals. 
The enamel is the hardest constituent of the tooth, and consists 
of earthy matter. Dentine also contains earthly particles, 
which are partially blended with animal matter and partially 
contained in a granular state within its cells. 

(300) 



DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 



301 



In horse parlance, the incisors, or front teeth, are called 
nvpjpers, the canine teeth tushes, and the molars grinders. 

To be able to determine the age of a horse within a few 
months during the period of his greatest usefulness is an object 
of much interest to every one dealing in them. To be an ex- 
pert in this matter is of great importance to the successful pur- 
chaser. Many a man has been the victim of unprincipled 
jockeys, and has purchased a " doctored " old horse, almost 
worthless, for a splendid young animal ; and thus has he not 
only been swindled out of his money, but laughed at by his 
neighbors only for his ignorance of a few simple points to be 
observed to enable any man of common-sense to tell the age of 
a horse with approximate certainty. In treating of this sub- 
ject it will be necessary to describe the successive change the 
mouth undergoes up to the age at which the changes become 
obscure and uncertain, which, quite fortunately, is beyond the 
period of his highest value and usefulness. Ignoring the 
cutting and changes in the teeth of the foal during its first 
year, as such cannot interfere with its 
commercial value, we will describe the 
mouth of the colt at one year. See Cut 
ISTo. 1. 

The four middle teeth have now be- 
come level with each other, and the third 
pair, or corner ones, are approaching 
the level of the others. They will be 
found to present, respectively, the fol- 
lowing appeara^nce : In the front pair, or two middle teeth, the 
center marh is worn, becoming somewhat dim, but broad and 
regular, with a ring of enamel of regular width, but thicker in 
front than behind, surrounding it. This mark is partially worn 
out of the next two, or second pair, but is darker, longer, and 
narrower than in the first, and the ring of enamel surrounding 
it is not quite so regular. In the corner teeth the mark is of 
full depth, darker, longer, and narrower than in either of the 
others, the ring of enamel being heavier and more irregular. 




302 



DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 




At this time another pair of grinders in each jaw make their 
appearance, thus making four in each jaw on each side, or six- 
teen altogether. 

At the age of two years (see Cut ISTo. 2) the middle pair are 
quite smooth, and the next pair present very nearly the same 

marks the first did at one year old ; the 
corner ones having a faint mark. About 
this time also a fifth pair of grinders in 
each jaw make their appearance. 

In the spring, before the colt arrives 
at three years of age, he will shed 
the front pair of nippers in each jaw. 
The gum will have the appearance of 
receding, and very soon the old tooth 
will be absorbed and the new tooth will appear in its place as 

if it had poked the old one out. 
This is called the three-years- 
old mouth. (See Figure 3.) The 
two middle nippers not grown 
to their full length. The upper 
pair of front nippers are usu- 
ally cast first. While these 
new teeth are growing the colt 
sometime experiences some diffi- 
culty in obtaining sufficient food by 
grazing, and if so he should be fed grain. 

Figure 4 represents the four- 
year-old mouth. The center nij). 
pers are now fully grown. The 
front edges, which were sharp^ 
are someAvhat blunted, the mark 
in them becoming short and nar- 
row. The next pair are now 
full grown, but smaller than the 
middle or corner ones. The 
corner ones are smaller than 





DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 



303 



when first matured, and have the marks almost worn out. As 
with the others, a change next takes place in the corner 
nippers. 

At four and a half, or between four and five, they begin to 
strip, and are soon replaced by their successors. At this 
period also the animal starts his tushes. They come up be- 
tween the nippers and grinders, rather nearer the former than 
the latter, but the distance increases as the jaw grows, which 
continues until seven. 

At five, the mouth being full, the nippers all set, the four 
tushes from three to five months 
old, the colt becomes a horse, and 
at the same age the filly a mare, 
her mouth passing through the 
same changes except as regards 
the tushes, which, in many cases, 
do not appear at all, while in 
others appear only small. Cut 
'No. 5 shows the five-year-old 
mouth, which is called the full 
mouth. 

Cut No. 6 represents the six-year-old mouth, with the mark 
entirely gone in the front pair of nippers. There still remains, 
however, a slight depression in 
the cement filling of the center, 
and this is, of course, sur- 
rounded by enamel. This de- 
pression is of a dark or brown 
color. Outside of this ring of 
enamel the bony substance is 
also worn below the level 
of the enamel, and also pre- 
sents a stained or brown ap- 
pearance. The second pair are 
approaching the appearance of the first, the mark being short, 
the corner ones show evident signs of wear. 





broad, and faint 



304 



DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 




The tushes have reached their full growth ; the third pair of 

grinders are of their full length, and all the grinders are level. 

Cut No. 1 represents the mouth at seven years old. The 

mark has disappeared from the four inner teeth, and very nearly 

from the corner ones, the sec- 
ond pair showing about the ap- 
pearance the first pair did at 
six, Avhile the latter will be 
much more worn. The tushes 
also begin to show marks of 
w^ear, being rounded at the 
point, still rounded outside and 
at the edges, and becoming so 
on the inside. 

Cut l^o. 8 shows the eight-year-old mouth, with the mark 
gone from all the nippers below, which, indeed is generally the 

case some time previous to his 
attaining the full age of eight 
years. The tushes are now 
rounded in every way, 

BisHOPiNG is sometimes prac- 
ticed by jockeys, who thereby 
give the mouth a counterfeit 
appearance to enhance the ani- 
mal's value. 

To accomplish this the 
horse is cast, and a hole is punched or bored in the two corner 
teeth resembling the depression in the seven-year-old's teeth. 
This is then burned with a hot iron, which imparts a dark stain. 
The second two are also slightly stamped and touched with the 
iron. This fraud may be easily detected by the appearance of 
the teeth in the upper jaw, which the buyer should always ex- 
amine. 

The upper nippers retain the marks three or four years 
longer than the lower. 




DENTITION AND AGE AS SHOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 305 

The name '■^Bishoping " is derived from the rascal who in- 
vented it. 

At nine the mark will be worn out of the middle pair of 
upper incisors, and they will have the appearance of the lower 
ones as described at six. 

At ten the second pair of upper nippers will have the mark 
worn out of them, presenting the appearance of the lower jaw at 
seven. 

At eleven the upper corner cutters will have the mark worn 




PROFILE VIEW 0? ITHE HEAD AND PaOB. ' 

1. Occiput. 7. Malar bone 

2. Parietal bone. 8. Posterior maxillary bone. 

3. Frontal bone 9—11. Nasal bone. 

4. Petrous portion of temporal bone. 10. Anterior maxillary bone. 
5 Zygomatic arch 11. Temporal fossa. 

6. Lachrymal bone. 12. 13. Lower jaw. 

The bones op the pace,. including the lower faw 
f 
out, and the upper jaw will correspond to appearance of lower 
at eight. 

After the disappearance of the marks the best and almost 
only means of information concerning age. are the indications 
presented by the wear and tear, and these can only furnish ap- 
proximate certainty. 

After nine years it is somewhat difficult to determine the 

exact age of the horse from his teeth, which generally grow in 

length and are more in a line with the jaw. A strong pre- 
20 



306 DENTITION AND AGE AS SIJOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 

sumption of the horse's age may be drawn from the appearance 
of the roots of the teeth. The enamel extends but a little be- 
low the gum. The front teeth of some aged horses wear down 
quite close to the gums, while those of others grow long and in 
some cases require cutting off to enable the grinders or molar 
teeth to come together to perform their mission. 

Those horses running to grass in summer, using their nip- 
pers to gather their food, usually have much shorter nippers or 
front teeth than those kept up to hay and grain during the whole 
time. 

Aside from the teeth there are indications of age of a gen- 
eral character deserving especial notice, such as the general ex- 
pression of the horse, the deepening of the hollows over the 
eyes, shrinking and hanging down of the lips, the appearance of 
white hairs, particularly about the eyes, sharpening of the 
withers, swaying of the back, etc., etc. 

The means of ascertaining the allotted period of the horse's 
age are as unsatisfactory as that of man. A horse is supposed 
to be as old at twenty-five years as a man at seventy, which is 
generally accepted as his allotted period of existence on this 
earthly sphere. 

So many circumstances attend the domesticated animal, 
tending to the more or less rapid destruction of his system, that 
it is very diificult, if not impossible, to correctly ascertain the 
number of his years were the laws of his being never violated. 

A few cases of great age are on Record. Blaine tells of a 
gentleman who owned three horses, which died at the respect- 
ive ages of thirty-five years, thirty -seven years, and thirty-nine 
3^ears. Percival gives an account of a barge-horse that attained 
the great age of sixty-two years. 

Perhaps it would be as safe to place the natural age of a 
horse at twenty-five j^ears as that of man at sevent}^. Perhaps as 
great a per cent, of horses live be^^ond that age as of the human 
that lives over " three-score years and ten." 

Zoologists claim that the natural life of an animal is five 
times the time it takes to attain its full growth and maturity. 



DENTITION AND USE AS SHOWN BY TEETH, ETC. 307 

According to this rule the natural age of the horse would be 
about twenty-five years. But, after all, some horses are as old 
at twelve years as others are at twenty. And so of man, some 
men being as old at forty as others are at sixty years. 

"When a horse or a man is worn out and broken down, 
they become old^ and it matters not how many or how 
few years have elapsed since their birth. 



CHAPTEE XXXIX. 

THE LANGUAGE OP THE HORSE — AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCE. 

Sagacity of Horses — Author's experience — Old Dobbin — Nellie Bly — Lady 
Barebones — Fanny Fern — Cora Linn — Fanny Kenyon — Maggie 
Dimon — Belmont Maid — Golden Rule — Rufus Molburn's mare. 

ALTHOUGH horses classed as "dumb brutes" have a 
language of their own, none will, perhaps deny ; but 
that they have a language w^hereby they may talk to man 
may appear strange to the uninitiated ; yet I know that I can 
and do talk to my horses. My horses have a low whinny 
which means water ; a higher-keyed, more emphatic neigh 
which means food ; and whenever I hear these sounds I 
know as well what they need as if they had spoken in 
English. 

My driving mare has also a neigh of welcome for me when- 
ever I approach her after having left her on the street for 
some time, attending to my business in town. 

When a horse sees or apprehends danger he will tell you so 
by a snort, low or loud, according to the, to them, seeming ex- 
tent of danger. 

I now have a mare doing business in the city that was 
formerly my driving mare, and every time I meet or see her in 
town she recognizes me by the same peculiar whinny of wel- 
come with which she used to greet my approach when used as 
my buggy -horse, and it is the same as is used by my present 
driving horse. Still, I will admit that the language of the 
lower animals is not altogether articulate ; it is more of the 
nature of the sign language. The horse does much talking by 
signs and motions, and especially motions of the ears and head, 
and by his wonderfully expressive looks. He also, upon occa- 
sions, talks with his other extremity. A peculiar switch of the 

(308) 



LANGUAGE OF THE HOKSE — AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCE. 309 

tail and a gesture as if threatening to kick, are equine forms of 
speech. The darkey was not wrong when he said of the kick- 
ing mule : " It's just his way of talking." 

To be a successful practitioner of veterinary science one 
should readily understand the language of the horse, to enable 
him at times to locate the disease. Who among us, — with the 
heart of a Christian — understanding the language of horses 
(both vocal and silent), can withstand the pleading look of a 
horse in distress ? But a short time since, while walking on 
one of the streets of our beautiful city, my attention was called 
to a horse by his neigh of welcome, and on giving him a look of 
attention such a pleading look as he gave me will be long re- 
membered. I found the poor animal suffering terribly from 
having stood nobody knows how long, checked very taut with 
that vile implement of torture, an over-draw check-rein. It 
was but the work of a moment for me to relieve him of his dis- 
comfort, and the look of gladness and thankfulness displayed 
in his countenance was my reward. 

At another time my attention was similarly called to a 
horse in distress on the street, who had been carelessly tied 
around a post or pole, and the tie-line had slipped down so low 
as to bring his head in a painfully low posture and held it 
there. When relieved he also thanked me in language which 
I understood. 

One evening upon arriving home from town I inquired if 
all the animals had been properly cared for for the night. On 
receiving an answer in the affirmative, I inquired especially if 
my stallion, Stockton King (who occupied a barn separate from 
the others), had been watered. The man who had him in 
charge said " Yes." But hearing my voice, the poor neglected 
animal told me as plainly as if he had used the choicest Eng- 
lish, that he had not been watered ; and as if to prove his at- 
tendant an unscrupulous liar he drank two full buckets of 
water from my own hands. 



310 LANGUAGE OF THE HORSE. 

SAGACITY OF HORSES. 

The sagacity of horses is such as to adapt him to J&ll vari- 
ous places of responsibility with a readiness unknown to any 
other animal but man. On the battlefield he is a war-horse, 
entering into the strife with as much zeal and interest as his 
rider. On the race-course he is as fleet as the deer, often sacri- 
ficing his life and dying in his determined struggles for victory. 
On the farm he is a sagacious drudge, often using as much in- 
telligence and judgment as his many-times ignorant and brutal 
driver. 

On the road he becomes a locomotive, subject to such pres- 
sure of speed-power as the circumstances may demand. In the 
civic procession he is as airy as his rider, and intelligent enough 
to appreciate the plaudits of his admirers. As a hackney he is 
wise in the use of his forces and enters into the spirit of making 
an attractive turnout with as much pride as his master. At the 
stage-coach he is flying all aboard ; at the private carriage he 
is as proud and disdainful as the petted beauty who sits behind 
him ; at the funeral he is as melancholy as the mourners. 

I occasionally get a new horse, and while I study my horse 
he studies me, and we gradually become acquainted, and it is 
surprising to note how soon an intelligent horse w^ill learn the 
ways and requirements of his owner or driver. If I am a cow- 
ard, he is one ; if I am lazy he is lazy ; if I am impatient he is 
impatient ; if I am lost in thought how dreamily he pursues his 
way. 

To what other domestic animal can we look for sagacity 
equal to that of the horse ? . ' 

I have always imagined I could read in the conduct of the 
horse a certain measure of the character of his owner, somehow 
as you can see the character of the man in the empty hat that 
sits upon the table, yet you cannot tell why. 

From my earliest boyhood's recollections I used to estimate 
the character and condition of my neighbors by the looks and 
conduct of their horses. When I saw a venerable pair seated 
in a rickety wagon drawn by a low-headed, slabsided, ewe- 



author's experience. 311 

necked, ring-bone mare that showed more marks of the stable 
than of the currycomb and brush, and that took the wagon by 
jerks along the road, I always pictured to myself the establish- 
ment from which that pair came forth. 

When I saw the village doctor jogging about with rusty 
harness, dilapidated vehicle and melancholy horse, I drew my 
own inference and instituted a comparison at once between this 
man and his rival, who, without ostentation, kept his equipage 
in order and drove a well-selected, well-fed, and well-groomed 
horse ; and had I at that time eaten enough of green apples or 
of my neighbor's watermelons to have required the services of a 
doctor, I should most earnestly have appealed for a visit from 
the one driving that best-looking and best-cared-for horse. 

Every experienced horseman knows that an animal will be 
one thing in the hands of one driver and something entirely 
different in the hands of another. Hiram "Woodruff could give 
new strength the instant he took the reins and Ripton and 
Dexter Avere inspired with new energy by his touch. Is not 
this sagacity ? 

A horse knows what he is doing and with whom he is deal- 
ing, and having learned his lesson it becomes as much a part of 
him as to be his second nature. 

Some quite remarkable cases of sagacity exhibited by my 
own horses are as follows : In 1851 I was the owner of a gray 
Canadian horse having the old-fashioned name of Dobbin. He 
"was not only a good, honest horse, but showed much intelli- 
gence in many things. Among others, being driven to the vil- 
lage — Wakefield, R. I. — on entering the town he would, with 
head and tail erect, voluntarily exhibit all the speed there was 
in him, and seemed to take great delight in making as much 
show as possible when before an audience of street pedestrians, 
but he became quite" a commonplace horse when fairly out of 
town. 

In the autumn of 1855 I was the owner of a very high- 
spirited, Yermont Morgan, chestnut mare answering to the 
name of ]S"ellie Bly. She had not only run away several times 



312 LANGUAGE OF THE HORSE. 

before coming into my possession, but had, in one case at least, 
kicked a buggy into smithereens. She, however, was a very 
sagacious animal, and soon learned just what I desired of her, 
and with kind and rational usage she proved willing at all times 
to comply with the demands made upon her. While driving this 
mare towards home one evening hitched to a farm lumber 
waffon loaded with barrels on end with a board seat and cush- 
ion on top, with my feet resting on the fore end-board — or end 
gate — and while on the shore road of Lake Worden in South 
Kingston, R. I., at quite a round trot — say ten miles per hour 
— she suddenly, from some slight and unexpected fright, 
sprang from the middle to one side of the road with a cat-like 
quickness. This quick movement threw me from my high and 
insecure position off on to the ground, and at least one wheel 
ran over my body. I was very badly hurt by the fall and the 
wheel, and unable to either regain my former seat or to walk 
home unaided, but this intelligent mare waited for me to tie up 
the lines, put the seat and cushion aboard, and get hold of the 
hind end of the wagon with my hands, and then she walked 
slowly every step of the way home, something like a mile and 
a half. 

In 1862 I owned a chestnut mare by the name of Lady 
Barebones, a daughter of old Vermont Black Hawk. This 
mare was bred and for several years owned by the Messrs. 
Goddard of Providence, E. I., and Avas formerly driven by them 
in Providence. Several years after they had disposed of her, 
and on my driving her for the first time into Providence, while 
on South Main Street, much to my surprise, she pulled up to 
the curb-stone and cramped the buggy for me to get out at the 
office of her former owner and master. It is probable that five 
^'■ears had elapsed since she had been driven on that street. 

Fanny Fern is the next of my own animals that I will men- 
tion in this connection. She was a bay mare with two w^hite 
ankles and a stripe in her face. She was bred in the State of 
'New York, and sired by Imported Consternation, consequently 
was half thoroughbred. This was one of the brood mares 1 



author's experience. 313 

took with me to the Dimon. Stock Farm, Pomfret, Conn., in 
1866, and was afterwards the dam of Confidence, Fanny Allen, 
etc. I used this mare as a roadster, and once in making con- 
nections with a train I was obliged to run her for all I dared to 
in harness. She ever after that whenever I came out and got 
into the buggy with my " go-to-city " clothes on would pick up 
her ears and listen both ways for the sound of a train, and if 
the whistle sounded near enough to make it necessary for her 
to hurry she would fairly fly in order to be there in time. I 
once had her throw a shoe between my head and that of an- 
other with enough force, I think, to knock us off the seat had 
it chanced to hit either of us. 

This mare would unbutton barn doors and w^ould unfasten 
the horse barn door by pulling out the pin holding the hasp, 
and then unhasp and open it. She would also open grain chests 
and do various other tricks ; and once, on having her young colt 
get hung in a stone bridge, she came galloping to me as near 
as she could get, and told me very plainly in her own language 
that something serious had happened, needing my immediate 
attention. 

Another brood mare of mine on the above farm was the 
bay mare, Cora Linn, a Hambletonian mare by Gage's Logan, 
and the dam of Cora Dimon, Governor Dimon, etc. We used 
her on a milk-wagon in the town of Putnam, and so well did 
she learn the route that she would not pass or skip a single 
customer if allowed to have her own way. If we lost a cus- 
tomer she w^ould try stopping there for about three times, 
after which she would try to pass that place at a high rate 
of speed. 

Another sagacious mare owned by me was Fanny Kenyon, 
by Rhode Island. She was intelligent and patient enough to 
untie any halter knot that could be tied. She would also open 
doors, gates, chests, etc. She was the dam of that fast road 
horse, Colonel Sprague, by Sprague's Hambletonian. 

Once, while raking hay with a wheel rake with this mare in 
my orchard, I left her tied to an apple tree long enough to ad- 



314 LANGUAGE OF THE" HORSE. 

mit of my going to the barn to mow away a load of hay. She 
evidently became anxious concerning a young colt which was 
left in the barn, and so untied herself and went to the barn. 
She carried the rake safely through a gateway just as wide as 
the rake, there not being an inch of space to spare, without any 
signs of having hit it against either post. 

"When engaged in the livery business in Detroit, Mich., in 
1887-8, I had a highly -bred 3^oung Bashaw mare — Maggie 
Dimon, afterwards the dam of Maud Bayard by General Bay- 
ard. She was a very nervous, high-strung animal, but very in- 
telligent. Many times during the dead hours of the night has 
she arrived at the stable with reins dragging on the ground and 
whinnied to be let in, while her drunken driver and stable 
patron failed to show up. 

While living at Fern Hill Farm, Indiana, I had a coal-black 
brood mare, Belmont Maid. She was a granddaughter of Al- 
exander's Belmont. One day I left her standing untied, 
hitched to a top buggy. The top, was not sufficiently fastened 
on, and, the day being very windy, it blew over on the mare. 
She walked around the barn to find me and make known her 
trouble, while a less sagacious animal — or a timid one — might 
either have ran away or kicked the buggy to atoms. 

I now have at this writing, June 7, 1894, an in-bred Ham- 
bletonian mare. Golden Rule, used daily on a milk wagon sup- 
plying some 150 customers. If left to herself she would go to 
every customer in regular order without missing one, and she 
stands in all places and all kinds of weather without hitching. 
There are at present two bad places in the road between the 
farm and the village, but the mare knows them as well as her 
driver, and thinks of them each day, always slowing up from a 
round trot to carefully walk over them. 

When living in Connecticut in 1877 one of my neighbors, a 
former truckman in Providence, E. I., would sometimes indulge 
in a little too much fuddle-drink (pardon me if I have coined a 
new word) for his own benefit businesswise. He was the owner 
of a pretty little bay Morgan mare about a dozen years old. 



author's experience. 315 

She was an all-around good one, and he occasionally drove her 
to Providence, some thirty-two miles, sometimes returning the 
same day. 

On one of these occasions he started for home in the even- 
ing in quite a hilarious condition ; he not only fell asleep by 
the wayside, but he fell out of his buggy into the highway. 
He was only about half-way home, and he stayed there, un- 
conscious, until daylight did appear. Then, his jag being slept 
off, he realized that he was lying in the road and that his bay 
mare was standing over him, but headed towards the city from 
whence he had started the previous evening. Upon investiga-* 
tion he learned that the little mare had gone all of the way 
home and stood in front of the barn. ]N'ot finding anj^one 
with her, she had then returned all that distance — about six- 
teen miles — until she found her master ; then she had patient- 
ly waited for him to sober up and was anxious to carry him 
home at a good rate of speed, although this made her ninety- 
six miles of travel in twenty-four hours. 

This incident made such an impression upon the mind of 
her owner that he vowed that he would never get into such a 
fix again and that nothing should ever part him from his faith- 
ful mare. 

Later on he made a provision in his will that if the mare 
survived him she should then be chloroformed and buried in 
the same grave with him. This provision in his . will was 
faithfully carried out in 1890, and their two bodies now rest 
together in the same grave in the town of Putnam, Conn. 
The man's name was Rufus Molburn, and a granite monument 
now marks the spot where the master and his sagacious mare 
lie buried near the road leading from Putnam to Pomfret 
street, called the Perrin Hill road. 



CHAPTER XL. 



GRAY HORSES. 



The White Turk — Imported Messenger — Gray Eagle — Harris's Hamble- 
tonian — Crack regiment of the British army — On the American turf 
— Kittie Bayard — Emma B. — Joe Brown — Miss Russell — Pilot 
Medium. 

THE color of horses, as of all other animals and objects, is 
largely a matter of taste. It has been said that "a 
good horse cannot be of a bad color." Many persons stren- 
uously object to white and gray horses. IS'ow, while I do not 
wish to advocate the breeding of gray horses in preference to 
those of other colors, I do not by any means approve of the 
discarding of good animals of any breed because they happen 
to be gray. 

Among the noted horses imported into England and which 
exercised a powerful influence in the formation of the thor- 
oughbred courser, we find many grays ; among these may be 
mentioned the White Turk, imported by King James I ; 
Place's White Turk, D'Arcy's Turk, Honeywood's Arab, Sed- 
ley's Barb, Wellesley's Arabian, BelFs Arab, and Hutten's 
Gray Barb. 

Imported Messenger, from whose loins descended our Ham- 
bletonians, was not only a gray horse, but his sire, Mambrino, 
was gray also. His full sister, Mambrina, was also a gray, 
and many of his best descendants. Among these ma}^ be men- 
tioned Ogden's Messenger, Bush Messenger, Young Messenger, 
Coffin's Messenger, Winthrop Messenger, Stone Messenger, 
Harris's Hambletonian, Messenger Duroc, Munson Mare, Lady 
Suffolk, Chancellor, the Engineers, and many others that 
might be mentioned. Gray is the family color of the Messen- 
gers to a marked degree. 

The same may be said of imported Medley and his descend- 

' # (316) 



GRAY HORSES. 317 

ants, Gray Eagle, together with his family, and many others 
of our best horses of modern times. 

The crack regiment of the British army has always been 
one of cavalry consisting of gray horses only. This regiment 
of " Scot Grays " made a charge at the great battle of Water- 
loo in which was decided the fate of the great Kapoleon, as 
the unfortunate emperor afterwards declared. 

The French stage horses are nearly all gray. This is the- 
prevailing color of the horses of .La Perche, who in that coun- 
try are known as Percherons ; also of the horses of ISTormandy 
which formed the cavalry of William the ISTorman, who sub- 
dued England nine hundred years ago by the aid of these 
magnificent war horses. 

There is an old adage to the effect that " the gray mare is 
the better horse," and although — it is said — this has been dis- 
torted in its meaning into an insinuation that the woman over- 
powers the man and makes of him her slave, it is, like most 
popular sayings, based on the result of common experiences. 

Gray horses have figured quite prominently on the Ameri- 
can turf. Is it because Messenger, the alleged fountain-head 
of speed at the trotting gait, was a flea-bitten gray ? Or be- 
cause Young Bashaw, the paternal progenitor of the Bashaw 
and Clay branches of the American Trotter, was gray ? Or 
is it due to the fact that one of the great pillars in the con- 
struction of the Morgan family, the Lindsey Arabian, was. 
gray ? 

One thing is sure ; the gray horses of the trotting turf have 
been found to be among the staunchest and speediest of race- 
horses. 

Among these gray horses that have appeared before the 
public, and Avhose names are inseparable from the American 
trotting turf, are the following : 

Kitty Bayard, now holding the world's race record on a 
half-mile track (2.12) and the world's pole record of 2.13^; 
Hopeful, 2.141, with a wagon mark of 2.16J; Lucy, 2.14; 
Alcyron, 2.15i ; Alabaster, 2.15 ; Dandy Jim, 2.16 ; Phil 



318 GRAY HORSES. 

Thompson, 2.16^; Charley Ford, 2.16|; Hendry, 2.1Y; Sally 
Benton— four years old — 2.1 T|; Glen Miller, 2.18; Kitty 
Bates, 2.17 ; Tyrolean, 2.20^ ; Independence, 2.21J ; Emma B., 
2.22 ; Joe Brown, 2.22 ; Conway, 2.22^ ; Farmer Boy, 2.22 J ; 
Shepherd Boy, 2.23i ; Crown Prince, 2.25 ; Conductor, 2.25|^. 
Two of the above, viz., Kitty Bayard, 2.12, and Emma B., 
2.22, were sired by the gray horse Bayard, the best son of the 
gray horse Pilot, Jr., who was the son of the gray mare Miss 
Eussell, the dam of Maud S., 2.08f, who so long held the 
world's record, and who still holds it in the same way of 
going in which she made it. 

The greatest and best of the get of that renowned Ham- 
bletonian sire, Happy Medium, sire of Nancy Hanks, 2.04, was 
the gray horse Pilot Medium, and whose dam was the gray 
mare Tackey, 2.26, by the gray horse Pilot, Jr. 

In the great race in Hartford, Conn., in 1881, Emma B., 
2.22, a gray mare by Bayard, lapped the winner out in 2.17. 

The gray horse Bayard, by Pilot, Jr., and the sire of the 
above-mentioned Kitt}^ Bayard, 2.12, and Emma B., 2.22, al- 
though obtaining a record (in the little amount of track work 
given him) of only 2.30, was said to be possessed of more 
natural speed than any other stallion that ever lived up to his 
time. 

The dam of that greatest of campaigning stallions, Ethan 
Allen, was a flea-bitten gray. 

Flying Jib, by Young Jim, with a record of 2. 04 J, and 
public trial of 2.04, is also a gray gelding. 

iN'ot only on the race course has the gray horse won dis- 
tinction, but in the various departments of labor as well. 
Superintendents of street car stables have told me that the 
gray horses will stand the summer heat better and do more 
work and last longer than horses of any other color. Whether 
worked to the street car, the express wagon, the hack or coach, 
the family carriage, or the plow, he has ever been distinguished 
for beauty and endurance. 

The Arab of the desert is most partial to gray horses, and 



EXHIBITION OF HORSES. 319 

gray is not only the most fashionable color in Arabia, but is 
said to be the prevailing color of its best animals. 

General Washington's favorite war horse was gray, and it 
appears that gray was a favorite color for horses with him. 

A turf writer remarks that " A feature which seems to be- 
long to gray horses to a greater degree than to any other is 
longevity." It is true that old Mambrfno lived to the age of 
thirty-two years ; Messenger to twenty-eight ; Gray Eagle to 
twenty-eight; Lady Suifolk twenty -five, and Gray Diomed 
twenty ; and is not the typical old gray horse known in every 
neighborhood throughout the land ? 

I have not intended this history of gray horses to influence 
anyone in their favor, or as an argument to show that they 
were superior to those of other colors ; but rather to call at- 
tention to the fact that color was a matter of taste or preju- 
dice, and that a good horse or a good breed of horses should 
not be valued the less on account of its color, even if that 
color should happen to be gray. 

EXHIBITION OF HORSES. 

Perhaps there has never been a more entertaining exhibition 
presented the American public- than that of the speed of 
American horses ; but to me the most entertaining, as Avell as 
instructive, amusement has been to watch the exhibition of the 
best American-bred horses themselves, individually, when col- 
lected together in sufficient numbers to make the comparison 
— one with another — the most interesting. 

The first horse exhibition of this kind, of any importance, 
held in this country took place at Springfield, Mass., in Octo- 
ber, 1853, under the auspices of the City of Springfield and 
the United States Agricultural Society. At that time about 
five hundred of the best specimens of various breeds and fam- 
ilies of that period were placed on exhibition. 

Since then we may have had larger and better exhibitions ; 
indeed, we undoubtedly have had such, but this goes on record 
as the first national horse show of America, if not of the en- 
tire world. 



CHAPTEK XLI. 

THE HORSE'S FOOT. 

The wall — The sole — The frog — The bars — Coffin bone — Pedal bone — 
Shoeing horses — First introduced into England A. D. 1060 — Require- 
ments of public shoers — Injuries by bad shoeing — Leveling and 
balancing — No foot, no horse — Never pare sole or frog — Fit shoe 
to the foot — The clip — Use of rasp in shoeing — Fiber shoes. 

THE external anatomy of the foot may be divided into four 
important parts or divisions, vis. : The wall or outer 
crust from the coronet to the sole ; the sole, that part which 
covers the whole remaining bottom of the foot excepting the frog 
and the bars ; the frog, consisting of that insensible, spongy, 
triangular body in the center of the foot ; the bars, which are 
merely a continuation of the wall, extending therefrom at the 
heels obliquely into the center of the foot between the sole and 
the frog, constituting two inner walls or lateral fences between 
that body and the sole. In a state of nature they bear some 
pressure. 

The Wall. The circular boundary wall inclosing the inter- 
nal structures from the coronet (the border line where the skin 
joins the hoof), in an oblique direction to the bottom of the 
foot, terminates in a circular projecting border ; consequently 
we find that the wall is the natural bearing part of the foot, 
and the frog an accessory. The bearing of the shoe should be 
wholly on the wall, not on the sole ; and the ground surface of 
the wall is the only part that should ever be pared. This is 
the part that, like the human nail, grows " exuberantly," and 
must be pared down every time that the horse is shod, but the 
knife should never be used on the sole or frog. This wall is 
adapted as a defense to the sensitive parts within. It is com- 
posed of small filaments or hollow tubes, consolidated in such 

(320) 



'' THE horse's foot. 321 

a manner as to distinctly preserve the canals. These canals 
constitute the excrementation outlets of the hoof through which 
mortifice or waste matter make their exit ; and in them may 
also be found the vessels in which the horn is secreted. The 
small vessels arising from the vascular and nervous membrane 
beneath the hoof, which is considered as a continuation of the 
true skin, enter also into these canals. The nails of man corre- 
spond to the hoof of the horse, inasmuch as they are formed of 
a substance analogous. 

If we examine the nail under a microscope we will find that 
it consists of hard, transparent, and somewhat elastic plates 
which adhere to the vascular or nervous membrane of the 
papilla. The latter are arranged in longitudinal and parallel 
rows. The internal surface of the nail, like that of the hoof, is 
soft, pulpy, and marked with longitudinal grooves and promi- 
nences corresponding to the laminal found within the hoof. 
A similar arrangement, possessing, however, exquisite sen- 
sibility, is found on that portion of the finger covered by the 
nail; and by the natural adaptation the connection between 
them is sustained. The nails are also a continuation of the 
true skin. 

The Sole is the plate at the bottom of the foot united to the 
inner edge of the wall and the outer sides of the bars, and not 
to the lower surfaces. Its usual thickness is about one-sixth of 
an inch, but varying greatly in different horses ; it is thicker 
where it runs back between the bars and the wall. It is 
secreted in plates which can readily be separated with a knife. 
The sole is considered to be more elastic than the wall or crust, 
and is the medium of the sensitive faculty, through which — 
together with its powers of elasticity — the percussion of the 
foot against the ground is regulated. In shoeing this should 
never be cut into, as by so doing it would w^eaken the foot. 

The Frog is still more elastic than either of the parts de- 
scribed, and any unnecessary paring on the part of the shoer is 
to' be deprecated. The natural function of the frog is that of 
21 



333 THE horse's foot. 

a cushion ; and, being spongy and elastic, when required to bear 
weight it spreads, and to accommodate this action the wall ex- 
pands from the quarters back. 

The structure of the foot is such that even if the frog sus- 
tains no pressure the heel must spread at every stride when the 
weight comes upon the foot. It can readily be imagined what 
the effect must be of shoeing a horse so that the heels are held 
rigidly together by an unyielding shoe. 

The Bars form an angle at the heels which terminates 
toward the toe. They serve to give strength and durability 
to the hoof, prevent contraction of the heels, and thus aid 
the hoof in protecting the soft and sensitive parts. The 
internal portion of the bars present the same appearance as 
that of the crust. They are held together by vital affinities, 
and so long as they maintain their normal integrity the foot 
will preserve its form. 

The principal internal parts of the foot are the coffin-bone, 
the navicular or shuttle-bone, the coronary substance, the sensi- 
tive sole, the sensitive frog, and the lamellae, together with 
numerous ligaments. It will thus be seen that the foot of the 
horse is a most complicated structure, which is liable to derange- 
ment whenever the foot is interfered with ; and this may occur 
in mismanagement in shoeing, causing incalculable injury, or 
from inflammation of the secreting surface, which will termi- 
nate in the formation of imperfect horn, or from punctures or 
other wounds of the foot. 

Perhaps in no organ does an injury so soon produce a return 
for the inevitable first result as a malformation of the hoof, and 
this again only adds to the original mischief. It is necessary 
to examine the structure of the foot most carefully, not as an 
object of curiosity connected with the sense of touch, but on 
account of the numberless diseases and accidents to which it is 
subject. 1^0 part of the horse is so liable to injury from the 
effects of hard work or mismanagement as this, and there is, 
consequently, none which more requires our care both in health 
and disease. 



THE HORSE S FOOT. 



323 



A close examination of the parts entering into the internal 
composition of the foot, as fully illustrated by the accompany- 
ing cuts, will disclose the fact that there is very little space 




—THE ITNDBB SUBFA'CK OTSBX FOOT. 

A- Cleft Of frog. 

S. B Sofe. 

C. Cleft betw^n hfeels 




—FRONT VIEW OP THE FOOT, WI I H THH 
BOOF REMOVED. 

A. Coronary sutwtance. - 

B. Laminss. 



between the pedal bone and the crust, which, together with the 
sole, form a horny case or natural shoe for the sensible and 
delicate investments of the bone. So small is the place that 
when inflammation takes place there is no room for a swelling 
• — the invariable accompaniment of that disease — and intense 




-THE HOOF. 

A. Onter surface of crust. 

B. Inner surface of crust. 

C. Upper surface of sole. _ 

D. Part corresponding ■with . 

the cleft of the frog. 

E. Coronary band. 




Contracted foot of horse 
with sDpposed Navicular 
loint Disease DEAD LAME. 



pain is occasioned as well as rapid disorganization of the struct- 
ure itself. The horny case — the hoof — is attached to the foot 
of a delicate membrane which lies in the folds upon the pedal 



324 SHOEING HORSES. 

bone, and it can be torn away by violence or when putrification 
has commenced with great ease. 

Hence it is that in the foot more than any other part of the 
horse " prevention is better than cure," because in many of its 
diseases it happens that cures cannot be effected without long 
rests. 

SHOEING HORSES. 

Horse-shoeing was first introduced into England by William 
the Conqueror in about A. D. 1060, more than eight hundred 
years ago ; and while w^e have schools and colleges for the in- 
struction of students in the treatment and cure of the diseases 
of the horse, yet we expect those whose daily business is to 
perform surgical operations upon a delicately organized mem- 
ber to be reasonably successful without having learned even 
the alphabet of their profession. 

Among .shoers of the horse there are undoubtedly indi- 
viduals of intelligence and ingenuity who would be glad of an 
opportunity of testing the validity of their practice by an 
appeal to the condition of the hidden springs, levers, pulleys, 
cushions, and powers comprising the mechanism of the feet and 
legs as explained by those who have made such a life-long 
study. Perhaps some of the readers of this book may live to 
see the day when a public shoer of horses will be required by 
the law of our land to be a graduate of some school or college 
for the purpose ; just as a veterinary surgeon or an M.D. will 
be required to be a graduate and display a diploma or be sub- 
jected to penalties more or less severe for practicing either 
without. 

The injuries liable to be done to the horse's foot by bad 
shoeing are numerous, but in some cases not immediately in- 
flicted. They are, however, only the more dangerous on this 
account. They are brought on gradually by the continued 
evil practive of bad shoeing until the horse is totally destroyed 
by it, the owner never suspecting the true cause of the diffi- 
culty ; or if he should hint such a thing, his blacksmith, watch- 
ful of his own interests, refers it to anything but the shoeing 



SHOEING HORSES. 



335 



"When we consider that the value of a horse depends more 
on the value and soundness of his feet than upon any other 
qualifications, it stands us in hand to give more thought and 
attention to keeping them sound than is generally bestowed on 
this subject. 

•The great foundation of scientific shoeing is based upon 
trueing, leveling, and balancing the feet ; and to begin properly 
the first shoeing is the most important of all. 




-A SOUiN'D FOEi; FOOT PREPARED FOR THE SHOE. 



A The bee) of the crust 
B. The toe. 

CO The quarters of theacrust. 
DD The bars as thoy should be left with 
frog hetween them 



E E The angles between ttie heels Eindbara 

where corns appear. 
F F. The c^ocave surface. 
G G The bulbous heels. 
H. Cleft. 



Old horsemen admit the truth of the old aphorism, "'No 
foot, no horse," and yet in no portion of that animal's economy 
has he suffered so many wrongs, or, as a natural consequence, 
endured so much unnecessary sufi^ering, as in his feet ; and to 
shoeing a large proportion of these evils are directly or in- 
directly referable. 



326 SHOEING HORSES. 

That the system of horseshoeing as it stands, even in the 
most skillful hands, is decidedly pregnant with mischief to the 
foot, no one who is conversant with the facts will venture to 
deny. Every time a horse is shod, every time a nail is driven, 
means so much injury to the foot. The better the job, the less 
that injury is ; but there is no such thing as absolute immunity 
from an evil which must always exist in inverse ratio to the 
skill displayed in the execution of the work. We have, how- 
ever, to deal with facts as we find them, and if we have, day 
by day, to impose upon our horses work of a nature which en- 
tails upon their feet more wastes of power than IsTature can re- 
place during the ordinary interval of rest, we are obliged to 
adopt a defense of some kind. 

A human being can tell where his shoe hurts him ; a horse 
cannot ; therefore he has to suffer the pain. Just think of how 
many sufferers there are. More than half of the men who pre- 
sume to shoe horses ought to be tried and convicted of cruelty 
to animals. All they do is to slash and spike the animals by 
guesswork. One side of the foot is almost sure to be lower 
than the other ; what a strain it brings on the knee when one 
side of the foot is half an inch lower than the other. It 
wrenches it from the knee to the coronet joint, causes more 
pressure on the lower quarter, and also creates contraction by 
a continual pressure against the corner of the coffin bone in 
both forward and hind feet. Tipping the foot to one side or 
the other causes a strain on the spavin joint, which, in turn, 
causes lameness. 

There is another evil which is much practiced by inexper- 
ienced workmen, and that is lowering the outside of the hind 
foot in order to prevent interfering. This is wrong. No mat- 
ter how much the foot is turned both pastern and cannon bones 
will have to come to the center of gravity, and rolling the 
ankle often causes them to cockle very badly. 

Man may, by fitting up the feet in various ways, gait a 
horse, or produce certain results which may be desirable, but 
any and all tampering with the feet so as to turn them out of 



SHOEING HORSES. 327 

their natural form is, sooner or later, bound to result in sore- 
ness or lameness for the horse. 

My experience is that the best way to balance the trotter 
or roadster is to balance the feet themselves and adjust a shoe 
that carries out perfectly that balance. Shoes, however, may 
be so made and adapted as to temporarily change the action of 
the knee hitter, the elbow hitter, the forger, the scalper, and 
other wrong and deviating gaits ; but they will not cure the 
animal of any of these faults if the foot that offends be still 
allowed to remain in that faulty position that caused the 
irregularity complained of. 

A serious objection to the use of such inventions is that 
most of them do actual harm to the joint tendons and muscles 
of the animal. It should ever be borne in mind that the in- 
stinct of the horse suggests to him the action or gait that is the 
easiest for him to use, and such he will invariably employ. 
Should this motion be wrong and not in proper rhythm, and the 
animal is forced to adopt, by the use of artificial appliances, 
any other line of action without the faulty articulation being 
corrected, he will do so at a cost of injury to some parts of the 
motive power. 

One of the most frequent causes of unbalanced gaits is the 
constant cutting away at the heels, leaving the front of the foot 
all out of proportion as to depth and length. The only proper 
way to " balance the trotter " is to have his feet truly balanced 
and in proper proportion and at proper angle to the limbs they 
support, so that the articulation will be as near frictionless as 
possible. 

With this condition maintained, the animal's instinctive 
action will be even and true, with perfect rhythm. As to the 
proportion and angle of the foot to the limb, get the foot at 
the proper depth and length in front and at the heels so that to 
the eye it will look as though it was set under the leg in 
artistic comfort. When it is thought that you have the feet 
well balanced and in proper position and angle to the limbs, 
rasp off the edge of the walls at surface and drive the horse a 



328 SHOEING HORSES. 

few days barefooted. It will not hurt him nor hurt his feet, 
for the feet when sound and healthy — if the soles have been 
left intact, as they should be — do not need any protection of 
iton nailed on to them. 

If the horse's gait is smooth and even at the trot without 
shoes, you have got him balanced. ISTow then, shoe him with 
exactly the same weight of steel on each of his four feet. 
That is, make the hind shoes of the same bar of steel that the 
fore ones are made of. Why should you put more weight on 
one foot than another, when your trotter is perfectly balanced 
when barefooted. 

l*^ever in shoeing pare the sole ; leave that and the frog un- 
touched. If the feet are true and balanced, make the shoe of 
the same thickness all around from heel to toe. "With a per- 
fectly leveled and balanced hind foot use no calks on the heels 
of the shoes, as they will throw the foot out of balance. In 
preparing the foot for the shoe do not with a knife touch either 
the frog, sole, or bars. In removing surplus growth from the 
wall of the foot to receive the shoe, use a rasp or cut nippers 
and not a knife. 

Opening the heels or making a cut into the angle of the wall 
at the heel should never be done. Care must be used that the 
shoe is not fitted too small, the outside surface of the walls be- 
ing then rasped down to make the foot to fit the shoe, as often 
happens. 

A hot shoe should not be ajDplied to a horse's foot under 
any circumstances. Keep the foot level and as near the form 
when shod as the natural colt foot as possible. Again, I say, 
never cut the frog in shoeing ; nature intended it to remain soft 
and spongy. It is in reality the lung of the foot — it is just 
what the leaves are to the trees, and requires no pruning. JSTo 
matter how pliable and soft the frog may be, if cut away on all 
sides, in two or three days it will become dry and as hard as a 
chip. 

If a red-hot shoe were put upon the foot to burn it level, 



SHOEING HORSES. 329 

the burning process would deaden the hoof and tend to con- 
tract it. 

Fit the shoe to the foot, and not the foot to the shoe by 
burning. If one doubts the effect of a red-hot shoe on the hoof, 
let him apply a hot poker to his own finger nail. 

Nearly all writers on the subject have looked upon the foot 
as a wonderful and complex piece of mechanism, and seemingly 
have forgotten or have not known that, no matter how com- 
plex it may be within, it is enclosed within a simple horny 
box; that all the effects of shoeing should be directed to pre- 
serve that box in a natural condition, and that its position in 
relation to the limb should not be altered b}^ the shape or form 
of the shoe. 

If our blacksmiths would use their knives less and their 
heads more in the execution of their important and by no 
means easy duty, our horses would be better for it, and so 
would their owners. 

There is no great mystery surrounding the subject, and the 
application of ordinary common-sense, in lieu of the barbarous 
routine which has been so long handed down from generation 
to generation until it has actuall}^ become a portion of the 
blacksmith's creed, would go a long way toward obviating 
many, if not most, of the cruel wrongs to which our horses' feet 
are day by day needlessly subjected. 

One common error in shoeing is in using the clip or upper 
projection on the toe of the shoe, so common in many parts of 
the country. The only advantage claimed for this extra piece 
of work is that it is necessary in assisting the nails to hold the 
shoe solid, a claim that I am not ready to admit. The hoof is 
injured by the notch cut to receive it and the burning to fit it 
in. After it has been lodged in the toe the powerful bearing 
of all the nails against it prevents the expansion so necessary to 
the healthy growth of the foot. 

It is necessary for the hoof to expand in its growth while 
shod, and its natural action should not be impeded at any 
point. The shoe should be set level with no other fastenings 



330 SHOEING HORSES. 

than the nails, driven just outside of the seam, bearing a proper 
slant to the shape of the hoof. In its expansion the spongy or 
flexible part of the hoof next to the seam readily yields to the 
nails, and while the shoe is yet held tight the growth of the 
foot is not retarded ; but when the clip holds the shoe solid out 
even with the toe, the bearing of the nails inclines the side 
walls of the hoof forward with a tendency to contraction of the 
heels. 

The bearing of the shoe, remember, should be wholly on the 
wall, not on the sole, and the ground surface of the wall is the 
only part that should ever be pared. This is the part that, like 
the human nail, grows and must be cut down every time a 
horse is shod. Never put a nail back of the widest part of the 
foot — the quarters — thus leaving the heels free. The walls of 
the foot should be so trimmed that the frog w411 lightly touch 
the ground, but take little or no weight. It is one function of 
the frog to keep the heels open and healthy ; if it is destroyed 
by the shoer's knife it allows the heels to contract. 

I^ever allow the outside of the foot to be robbed by the 
rasp of its cortical layer of natural varnish, which retains the 
moisture secreted by the economy ; the strong w^alls become 
dessicated and weakened and the foot is in a very sorry plight 
indeed. To some this picture may seem overdrawn, but it is, 
nevertheless, a matter of daily occurrence. 

My experience and observation has been that no horse that 
carries a high rate of speed in a race of split heats seldom, if 
ever, was known to make a successful campaigner shod with 
short toes and high heels, or the reverse, or both, and encum- 
bered by hobbles, sideweights, toeweights, heelweights, calks 
of all kinds, lengths, shapes, and sizes, set on at as many vari- 
ous angles, or any artificial appliances, Avhich are sure and cer- 
tain to keep a horse from being a perfect articulator, and a 
perfect articulator he must be before he is a successful cam- 
paigner at a high rate of speed. 

The time will undoubtedly come when many of our driving 
horses, as well as fastest trotters, will be shod with fiber shoes. 



SHOEING HORSES. 331 

For horses requiring the lightest shoeing there is nothing bet- 
ter. They weigh from two to three ounces, and, in durability, 
rival the metal shoes. One of its best features consists in the 
shoe w^earing rough instead of smooth, thereby assisting the 
foothold. For tender-footed horses or those liable to fever up 
there is no shoe superior to this. The material is furnished in 
strips from which the shoe can be cut. 

I have sometimes had horses used on the city paved streets, 
whose feet had become dry and brittle and the frogs and bars 
as hard as horn by being mutilated by the drawing knife of the 
shoer, shod — after leveling the foot — with a pad of sole- 
leather placed under the shoe and the space between the sole 
and the leather filled with pine tar and oakum. The results 
were very satisfactory. 



CHAPTER XLII. 



THE CHECK-REIN. 

Taut checking injurious — The overdraw check — The natural beauty of the 
horse — Stumbling. , 

A TAUT check-rein is painful to the horse and useless to 
the driver, as a rule. It fastens the head in an un- 
natural position, and as the head and shoulders fall together, 
cannot be of any real support in case of stumbling. There is 
a difference between a tight check-rein and a tightened rein, 
although perhaps not generally understood. The first is in- 
jurious and cannot help the horse if he should stumble ; the 
last often saves him. That the check-rein is inconsistent with 
the action of the horse's head is clearly shown by the fact that 
when a horse falls it, or the check-hook, is always broken. 

If a man has a heavy load to push or to pull he always 
lowers his head by bending forward and throws the weight of 

his body against or to propel 
the load ; so does the ox or 
the horse under similar cir- 
cumstances, if permitted. If 
a man's head were tied to a 
belt around his body so that 
he could not bend forward, 
he would lose the advantage 
of his weight and could only pull or push with the muscles ; so 
also with the ox or horse. 

If the man's head were thus kept in a perpendicular posi- 
tion he could not so readily see where to step, and would be 
more apt to stumble ; so, also, with the ox or the horse. Is o 
one in the saddle would thus tie up his horse's head. The 

horse is thus prevented oftentimes from throwing his weight 

(332) 




THE OVERDRAW CHECK. 



333 



into the collar by a taut check-rein, a useless a.nd painful in- 
cumbrance, introduced by vanity and retained by thoughtless- 
ness amounting to cruelty. 




THE OVERDRAW CHECK. 

While it has its advantages in controlling kickers and pullers,, 
and especially pullers in 
races liable to check 
down, this, nevertheless, 
is a cruel and barbarous 
appliance to the average 
driving or business horse ; 
for under the continued 
strain of the overdraw 
check something must 
soon give away (for every 
horse, as well as man, has 
his weak points), and if not the bod}^ the temper soon wears 
out. 

Althouoii laro'e dealers train their sale horses to this check 
they recognize the harm of it when they say that customers 
who practice short checking wear out their horses more quickly 
and sooner return for fresh ones. One year's hard checking 
caused a pair of Kentucky's valuable coach horses to become 
so sway -backed as to be wholly unfit for good use. Of all 
cruel devices inflicted on this noble animal none has ever come 
under my observation more so than this senseless overdraw 
check, which article of torture should never be used on any- 
thing but a kicker, or an animal liable to kick or a hard puller 
or luffffer ; and even then it should be loosened at the earliest 
possible moment consistent with safety. 

A day of watching the best horses in any of the large 
cities as they are being driven at the present period, mil reveal 
the fact that this cruel torture is imposed on them under the 
impression of their owner or driver that the taut overdraw 
check enables them to exhibit more stvle than the loose, com- 



334 



THE OVERDRAW CHECK. 



fortable common check. 




The real fact is, however, that the 
horse with neck straight- 
ened, thus having head and 
nose extended forward, is 
greatly injured in appear- 
ance as well as being un- 
necessarily tortured. 

A well-fed, well-groomed, 
spirited horse is the most 
beautiful animal in exist- 
ence ; his beauty consists of 
his elegant proportions and 
the contrast that comes from his supple movements and hand- 
some color and the graceful curves that outline his body. 

All of this is seen from a study of the animal in a natural con- 
dition. Particularly will the artist observe the graceful arch 

of the neck of a beautiful 
horse ; this curve is one of 
the chief beauties of this 
handsome animal, and this 
feature of attraction is en- 
tirely destroyed when the 
neck is straightened by the 
overdraw check; consequent- 
ly, while this check has its 
use, its misuse — its abuse has made it an object of abomination. 
The gracefulness of manner and ease of motion of the swan, 

in its natural state, cannot 
be excelled. The naturally 
beautiful arch of its neck is 
marvelous to behold. The 
neck of the highly-bred 
American horse of to-day, 
in its natural state, ap- 
proaches nearer to that of the swan than any of our domestic 
animals. 'Now, suppose that we, sensible and enlightened 




No. 1. 




No. 2. 



THE OVERDRAW CHECK. 335 

American people, just to humor a fad, set about improving 
that gracefulness of manner and ease of motion, in both the 
swan and horse, by the use of the overdraw check-rein, then 
we shall change the accompanying cut No. 1 to that of No. 2. 
Can any of my readers see any great improvement in this ? If 
not, then why torture the poor things ? 

THERE BE THOSE. 

Theke be those who sow beside 
The waters that in silence glide, 
Trusting no echo will declare 
Whose footsteps ever wandered there. 

The noiseless footsteps pass away, 
The stream flows on as yesterday; 
Nor can it for a time be seen 
A benefactor there had been. 

Yet think not that the seed is dead 
Which in the lonely place is spread ; 
It lives, it lives — the Spring is nigh, 
And soon its life shall testify. 

That silent stream, that desert ground, 
No more unlovely shall be found ; 
But scattered flowers of simplest grace 
Shall spread their beauty round the place. 

And soon or late a time will come 
When witnessess, that now are dumb. 
With grateful eloquence shall tell 
From whom the seed, there scattered, fell. 
Bernard Barton. 



336 



VETERINARY SCIENCE. 




EXPLANATION OF FIGURES. 
1. The Paridal, or upper bone of the head. 2. Jaw-bone. 3. Bones of the neck, seven in number. 
4, 5, 6. Spine, or bacli bone. 7. Tail-bones. 8. Breast bone. 9, 10. Cartilages of the Kibs 11, 12. 
Ribs. 13. Sboulder-blade. 14. The arm. 15, 16. Bone of le^ above Icnee. 17 Elbow. 18, 19. Lpper 
knee-ioints. 20, 21. Lower knee-joints. 22. Knee-cap. 23. Inside of lower knee-jomt. 24, 24. Cannon 
bones. 25, 26. Splint bones. 27, 28. Pastern. 29. Upper pastern. 80. Lower pastern. 31, 32. Hoot. 
33 34 Pelvis. 35. Upper thigh bones. 36. Rump bone. 37. Lower thigh bone. 38. Tibia, or leg bone. 
39. Hock bone. 40. Hock joint. 41, 42. Upper and lower hock joint. 43, 44. Outside of lower hock 
joints. 45, 45. Shin bones. 46, 47. Splint bones of hind legs. 



CHAPTEK XLIII. 

BEIEF HISTORY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE. 

Necessity the mother of invention — First veterinary school of the world 1761 

— First in England, 1795 — Quack medicines generally well advertised 

— Opinionated grooms — Veterinary quacks. 

AS " necessity is the mother of invention " the veterinary 
science, like that practiced on man, was first called into 
existence by necessity. The many diseases to which domestic 
animals were subject and to which they too frequently fell 
victims for want of proper professional care, and the great 
agricultural loss in cons.equence thereof, led their owners to 
seek for reliable remedies. 

In the year 1761, the first veterinary school in the world 
was established at Lyons, France, under the patronage of the 
French government, whose fostering care this infant school for 
a time received. 

At the commencement of this great enterprise, as at the 
commencement of all great enterprises, the people looked on 
with indifference ; but many of the most scientific and liberal- 
minded men of that day saw in the enterprise a vast field for 
research, a broad road to usefulness and distinction. Conse- 
quently, many such men embarked in it with perseverance, 
overcoming every obstacle with a view of making known those 
laws regulating the vital forces of domestic animals ; and to 
this day the fruits of their labors are received as a legacy to 
the profession. The names of the first cultivators of veterinary 
science are well worthy the inscription on tablets of stone 
as public benefactors to their country. 

In 1Y65, a similar school was established at Alfort, France. 
Regular system of veterinary medicine was taught at this school, 
under which students acquired an acquaintance with the vari- 

(337) 



338 BRIEF HISTORY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE. 

ous forms of disease to which domestic animals were subject 
and the modus operandi of treatment. 

This novel enterprise of France was regarded with a watch- 
ful eye by the other nations of Europe, and they were not long 
in adopting similar schools. Such schools rapidly sprang up in 
Holland, Berlin, Copenhagen, Stuttgart, and various other 
places, rivaling in successful and beneficial results the schools 
of France. It was not until 1T92, however, that England was 
awakened to the importance of this subject, and then her atten- 
tion was first called to the same by a Frenchman by the name 
of St. Bel, who carried letters of introduction from some of the 
first and most influential men of France regarding his mission, 
which was that of establishing this veterinary science, then un- 
known and of course unappreciated in the British domains. 

This St. Bel labored hard and unceasingly with the English 
public for the period of upwards of two years before being 
able to successfully present his claims for this science and im- 
press upon the people the importance of establishing veterinary 
schools and colleges for its teaching. The final result of his 
labors was the establishing of the Veterinary School of London 
in 1795, of which St. Bel was appointed professor. 

Unfortunately, after all his trials and struggles in his 
efforts to accomplish so much for England and his beloved 
science, he had occupied the professor's chair scarcely one year, 
when a sudden and brief illness terminated his mortal career ; 
and he was consigned to the silent tomb before the laurels to 
which he was so justly entitled had encircled his brow. 

The college, however, was left in a flourishing condition, 
(the Duke of IsTorthumberland having already contributed a 
sum equal in currency to $2,500), and the enterprise numbered 
among its staunch supporters such men as the Earl of Gros- 
venor, Mr. Penn, Earl of Morton, Drs. John Hunter and Craw- 
ford, and, subsequently, that great surgeon and medical scien- 
tist, Sir Astley Cooper. 

Medical men hailed this new enterprise as one not only cal- 
culated to ameliorate the condition of suffering domestic 



BRIEF HISTORY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE. 339 

animals, but what was of greater importance to medical science, 
they perceived in it a fruitful field for investigation, cultivation, 
and comparative anatomy and physiology. 

With this object in view Dr. John Hunter assisted the 
friends of the new school both by his professional influence and 
by his private purse. Among the first pupils graduating from 
this "Alma Mater," and becoming proficient practitioners in 
the veterinary science may be mentioned the names of Lau- 
rence, Blair, and Clark. Each of these has left to the world a 
record of their labors, which, even in this enlightened age of 
the world, serve as useful guides to the young aspirant for 
veterinary fame. 

The professorship made vacant by the death of St. Bel was 
conferred on a Mr. Coleman, who had previously devoted him- 
self to physiological research ; he, too, soon distinguished him- 
self in his profession, and the college was soon placed in its 
former flourishing condition. A medical committee was then 
appointed, consisting of some of the foremost practitioners of 
that day. Before this committee the pupils were examined, 
and when found to be possessed of the required amount of 
knowledge of the science, a certiflcate was accordingly 
granted. 

This examining committee consisted of lecturers and practi- 
tioners of human medicine, who, with a liberality that reflected 
great credit on them, permitted the veterinary students to attend 
their lectures on human anatomy free of charge. 

In this combination of the greatest and best men of Eng- 
land at that time, a death-blow was aimed at ignorance, 
quackery, and the superstitions of the times. A new order of 
practitioners took the field, and soon demoralized the old land- 
marks set up by ignorant farriers, erecting in their stead 
" beacons of light " that spread their illuminating rays of 
science broadcast throughout the land ; and the public as well 
as domestic animals was greatly benefited thereby. 

By this time Professor Coleman had succeeded in. securing 
the patronage of the British government. The strings of the 



340 QUACK MEDICINES. 

public purse were loosened and Parliament voted a sum of 
money to be paid annually for the support of the college. 
George the Third, then reigning monarch, granted the rank of 
commissioned officers to such veterinary graduates as were in- 
tended as surgeons to the cavalry regiments. 

The East India companies, observing the good effects pro- 
duced by such appointments, followed the example of their 
monarch in appointing veterinary surgeons in their armies in 
India. Other nations have since followed the example set them 
by France and England, so that regular veterinary surgeons may 
be found in all quarters of the globe. The advantages under 
which the veterinary art may now be studied, not only in 
France, Germany, and England, but in America as well, are 
not in an}^ way inferior to those of the most favored universi- 
ties, and such astounding discoveries through the aid of chem- 
istry and the microscope are made in such rapid succession, that 
the medical world is constantly subjected to surprises ; and so 
splendid have become the achievements in the departments of 
veterinary surgery that the sons of " JEsculapius " — our 
brethren of the human school — are watching the labors of 
their kindred spirits with no ordinary interest. 

QUACK MEDICINES. 

Quack medicines are those prepared by private or secret re- 
cipes, or formulas. They are generally well advertised and 
puffed in the newspapers, and millions of circulars are issued 
setting forth the infallibility of their curative powers for 
nearly all diseases to which human or beast flesh is heir ; — 
used either as an external application or administered in- 
ternally. 

No subject in medicine has been more fully exposed than 
the great and absurd pretensions of these medicines ; still, the 
credulity of even the best class of society is great, and among 
them may be found the readiest victims of these humbugs. 

My old friend, the late P. T. Barnum, used to say that the 
American people were the most easily humbugged of any people 



QUACK MEDICINES. 341 

in the world, and that they actuall}^ enjoyed being humbugged. 
These people now have a fad of lending their names and fur- 
nishing photogravures of themselves to the manufacturers of 
these medicines, and allow them to write up the most 
wonderful cures of themselves by the use of these quack 
nostrums. 

At the present day we can hardly take up a newspaper 
without finding a page, more or less, devoted to these adver- 
tisements, and containing from one to three or more cuts of 
good, healthy looking people who claim to have been cured of 
some terrible malady, or complication of diseases, by the use of 
certain medicines therein advertised. 

It should require no argument to show how dangerous is 
the indiscriminate use of powerful drugs when compounded by 
parties who, quite likely, never had the slightest opportunity 
of acquiring a medical education. No wonder such persons 
cannot cure by their remedies diseases deemed incurable by 
the veterinary medical world. 

After all there is no quack on earth equal to an opinion- 
ated groom, and every one, nowadays, holds himself a groom, 
who is intrusted with the care of a horse, even if he does not 
know how to clean him properly or to feed him so as not to in- 
terfere with his working hours. 

An experienced and level-headed man is a treasure in any 
stable, but the worst sort of a nuisance is one of those fellows 
who has no more idea of a horse's structure or of his constitu- 
tion than he has of the model of a ship, and who is sure to 
have a thousand infallible remedies for every possible disease, 
the names of which he does not know, or their cause, origin, or 
effect ; and if he did know their names he is incapable of dis- 
tinguishing one from another. 

He applies his remedies at haphazard, wholly in the dark as 
to their effects on the system generally or in this particular 
disease. Of course nine times out of ten he applies them 
wrong and aggravates many fold the injury he affects to be 
able to relieve. 



342 QUACK MEDICINES. 

This class of grooms is rather inclined to administer purga- 
tives, cordials, diuretics, and such like, on their own hook 
rather than on discrimination, without much sense or reason, 
with the mistaken idea that they are necessary in order to 
keep the animal in good condition. 

Diuretics, which they are so fond of giving, rather tend to 
weaken a horse, as they are a source of great irritation, very 
exhausting, reducing his strength, and act as a serious drain on 
his constitution. 

Regular work, regular times for feed and w^ater, good 
grooming and ventilation, are far better than unnecessary 
medication. 

It is a good rule, and should be enforced in every stable, 
that the master be consulted in these matters, as there are few 
grooms, that positively know disease when they see it, and it is 
often w^onderful how horses survive the enormous doses of 
medicine given them when it is poured down their unwilling 
throats by quarts. 

Even if a horse-owner be so fortunate as to possess a really 
intelligent, superior servant, who has served his apprenticeship 
in some good stable, he should insist on being invariably con- 
sulted before medicine is administered. 

•He should acquaint himself wath the man's reasons for 
wishing to administer medicine at all, his idea of the ailment 
that he supposes exists, of the symptoms from which he diag- 
noses it, and of the nature and action of the drug which it is 
proposed to exhibit. 

If he sees that the symptoms do exist and that the nature 
of the medicine is such as w^ould counteract such an ailment, 
w^hich a very small share of common-sense will enable him to 
discover, he will do well to sanction the proceedings. 

VETERINARY QUACKS NOT ALL DEAD YET. 

The Portland, Me., Advertiser says : 

" Dr. Maxwell, the well known veterinary surgeon, was be- 
fore the municipal court this morning for cruelty to a horse. 



QUACK MEDICINES. 34.3 

It appears that he was called to the city stables to treat a 
horse suffering from colic. He proceeded to pour into the 
horse's ears some powerfuL blistering liniment, with the idea of 
making the poor beast thrash his head around so vigorously 
that the violent motion ^vould start the gas which had collected 
in and around the stomach of the horse. 

" The treatment succeeded far beyond the expectations of 
the doctor. ' The horse beat his head on the floor in the most 
acute agony, so that it was necessary to pad the stall with bags 
to keep him from pounding his skull to pieces. Finally, the 
liorse died a most painful death, and a post-mortem examina- 
tion showed that his ear was blistered all over the inside in a 
most horrible manner. 

" The defense tried to show that the liquid that was turned 
into the ear was harmless, but Judge Gould could not be made 
to believe that story. He fined Dr. Maxwell $20 and costs, 
for excessive cruelty to the horse." 



344 



SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE. 




Pkincipal Points anb External Pakts, to be examined fok Injuries, Defects, and Diseases. 

1. Muzzle. 2. Place of Fistula from teeth. A2. Place to feel the pulse. 3. Place of Mumps. 
4. Place of Poll-evil. 5. Angle of jaw. 6, 6. Chest. 7. Place of Fistula from vein. 8. Throttle, 
Thropple, or Wind-pipe. 9. Shoulder-point; place of sores from harness. 10, 10. Shoulder-blade. 

11. Withers; sometimes the seat of fistula. Height of horses reckoned from the ground to the withers. 

12. Front of Chest. Bosom, or Breast. 13, 13. The True-arm (see Skeleton). 14. Elbow; often the 
seat of tumors. 15. Arm or Fore-arm. 16. Knee or Wrist; niaj' be swelled, having a fungus 
growth; or the skin may have been broken, evidence of a fall. 17, 17. Back Sinew; place of curb. 
18. Place of disease of skin above the Coronet; Crown-scab. 19, 19. Fetlock, or Pastern-joint. 20. Cor- 
onet. 21,21. Heel. 22. Contracted Hoof. 23. Mallenders. 24. Sallenders. 25. Seat of Splint or 
Exostosis on side of Cannon-bone. 26,26,26. Seat of Bursal enlargements. 27. Back or Spine. 
28. Place of Saddle-galls. 29, 29. Girth, or circumference in measurement. 30. Place of injury from 
pressure of girth. 31. Barrel or Middle-piece. 32. Loins. 33. Croup. 34. Haunch. S5. Flank. 
36. Seat of Warts. 37. Sheath, or prepuce. 38, 38. Gas-skin, or lower thigh. 39. Boot of the Dock, 
or tail. 40. Hip-joint, Round, or whirlbon«. 41. Rat-tail. 42. The Quarters. 43. Point of the Hock; 
seat of Capped-hbck. 44, 44. Cannon-bone. 45. Place of Spavin. 46, 46. Hoof. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

GIVING MEDICINE. 

Best in balls ^ Dimon's Spavin Cure — Dimon's Colic Remedy — Dimon's 
Black Oil Liniments — Dimon's Liniments — Condition powder — Leg 
wash — Symptoms of disease — The pulse — The ears — Membrane of 
nose — Eyes — Mouth — Breathing — Skin — Flanks — Drooping of 
the head — Lying down — Pointing with the nose — Pointing with the 
foot. 

I]Sr administering medicines to horses P much prefer to mix it 
with meal or rye bran and make it into balls and place 
those as far back in the mouth as possible, rather than to give 
it in a liquid form from a bottle or horn ; and there is more 
safety and less waste in the ball management. In drenching 
- — as it is called when giving liquid medicine — the horse's head 
is raised and held up, a bottle is introduced into the mouth, and 
the liquid poured down. In his struggles there is always dan- 
ger of some of the medicine being drawn into the windpipe 
and lungs, and infiamraation and fatal results sometimes fol- 
low. 

In my many years' practice in treating diseases of horses I 
have found the same remedy to act equally alike on all cases of 
the same nature, of whatever name the disease may go by ; as, 
for instance, medicine good to heal a sore on any part of the 
horse, or by whatever name it may be called, is just as effec- 
tive on one part as another. So it is in bone diseases and many 
of the internal diseases, however classed and named. I don't 
wish to be misunderstood in this matter, however; I don't 
mean the one medicine for sores, bones, and internal diseases. 

Consequently, in describing treatment, I have, instead of 
giving in each similar malady a full and many times different 
remed}^, mentioned a certain liniment, oil, salve, drench, or ball, 
etc., first being quite sure to have my remedies understood. 

(345) 



346 GIVING MEDICINE. 

For mj own future protection I decline to give the public 
my recipe for making three of the best and most successful 
remedies I have ever used in my long practice, or have ever 
known to be used in the practice of others. They are all 
covered by letters patent, and I cannot afford to give them 
away ; each one is worth in itself many times the cost of 
this book. My readers shall have access to them, however, at 
all times during my life, as I shall continue to manufacture and 
sell them. They are the following : 

Dimon's Spavin Cure, put up in eight-ounce bottles, and can 
be ordered direct from me at one dollar a bottle, with full in- 
structions and directions for use. 

Dimon's Colic Eemedy, put up in eight-ounce bottles, and 
retailing at one dollar each, with full directions. In connection 
with this last-named remedy I wish to state here that I have 
yet to meet the first case of colic which this medicine, if taken 
in time, has failed to cure. 

Dimon's 'Black Oil, put up in two sized bottles, and retail- 
ing for fifty cents and one dollar. Full directions accompany 
each bottle. 

'Now to prove to my readers my own unselfishness in this 
matter and that I do not wish to advise them to depend wholly 
on these remedies, notwithstanding my great success with 
them, I give what I consider, in all cases, the next best remedy. 

Of liniments, blisters, ointments, salves, worm powders, and 
physic balls, there are in existence a great variety ; many of 
which are undoubtedly very good. I shall mention but a few, 
those being such as I consider well worthy of use. 

Liniment. ISText to Dimon's Spavin Cure, which I use as a 
liniment, reduced to ajij strength desired, I consider the fol- 
lowing two formulas the best. I call them Dimon's Own Lini- 
ment and Dimon's Stable Liniment. The first is made as fol- 
lows : 

Alcohol, . . . . .1 gallon. 

Spirits Turpentine, . . .1 quart. 

Oil of Cedar, . . . . 4 oz. 

Oil of Hemlock, . . . . 4 oz. 



GIVING MEDICINE. 



347 



Oil of Wormwood, 

Oil of Origanum, 

Iodine, 

Arnica Flowers, 

Gum Camphor, 



4 oz. 

4 oz. 

8 drachms. 

2oz. 

1 pound. 



Dimon's Stable Liniment is compounded after the follow- 



ing: 



Pure Cider Vinegar, 






1 gallon. 


Full Proof Alcohol, 






2 quarts. 


Saltpetre, 






4 oz. 


Oil Wormwood, 






4 oz. 


Oil Hemlock, 






4 oz. 


Arnica Leaves, 






2oz. 


Gum Camphor, 






8oz. 


Sal Ammonia, 






Boz. 


Iodine, 






8 drachms 


Spirits of Turpentine, 






1 quart. 



This is cheaper than the first and makes a most excellent 
stable liniment. 

Dimon's Condition Powders are made as follows : 



Jamaica Ginger, 


. 1 pound. 


Sifted Hard Wood Ashes, . 


. 2 pounds 


Fine Salt, . 


. i pound. 


Powdered Gentian Root, . 


. i pound. 


Saltpetre, 


. ^ pound. 


Black Antimony, . 


. 2oz. 


Annis Seed, . 


. 2oz. 


Flour Sulphur, 


. 4oz. 


Powdered Rosin, 


. 2oz. 


Elecampane Root, . 


. 2oz. 


Cayenne Pepper, 


. 1 oz. 



Mix thoroughly and give in doses of one tablespoonful in feed, twice 
daily. 

Dimon's Leg Wash, which is also a good body wash, can be 
prepared by following the recipe given below : 

Take a three-gallon jug; put in one and one-half gallons of good and 
pure Cider Vinegar, 

1 quart Full Proof Alcohol, 
8 ounces Sal Ammoniac, 
4 ounces Saltpetre, 



348 SYMPTOMS OF DISEAS^E IN THE HOESE. 

4 ounces Arnica Leaves, 
4 ounces Gum Camphor, 
Then fill the jug with rain water. 

You now have ready for use three gallons of as good leg 
and body wash as can be produced, at a comparatively low 
price. 

Blister Ointment. 

Spirits Turpentine, . . . 1 oz. 

Sulphuric Acid, . . . • . 2 drachms. 

Mix carefully in open space and add Lard, 4 ounces, and Powdered Can- 
tharides, 1 ounce. 

A Physic Ball may be made as follows : 

Barhadoes Aloes, . . . .1 drachm, 

Tartar Emetic, . . . .1 drachm. 

Powdered Digitalis, . . . | drachm. 

Add syrup enough to form a ball and give every six hours until bowels 
move freely. 

SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE IN THE HOESE. 

As the horse is unable to describe his feelings in words, the 
diagnosis of his ailment is much more difficult to determine 
than is that of the human family. As a consequence it must be 
determined by symptoms, and to determine the nature of a 
disease wholly by external symptoms requires more skill by 
the practitioner than that of treating the disease afterwards. 
To be fully successful in treating a disease one must thoroughly 
understand the nature of the disease which he is attempting to 
treat. When called upon to see a sick horse I first examine 

The Pulse. The pulse of a healthy, medium-sized horse 
beats about forty times j)er minute. Size and age determine 
somewhat the pulse beats, but, as a rule, forty per minute may 
be considered reliable; any considerable increase over that 
amount indicates fever or inflammation ; and other symptoms 
may be looked for to determine the particular locality of the 
disease. When great weakness ensues the pulse becomes slow 
and fluttering. 

The Membrane of the Nose. In health, this is of a light 



SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE IN THE HORSE. 349 

pink color ; in fever and inflammation it is red. If the lungs 
or air passages are affected it is more deeply colored and 
specked with brown mucus. In glanders it is of a light Ijlue 
and reddish color, with specks of ulceration over it. In scarlet 
fever it is covered with scarlet spots ; in the very last stage of 
disease, when death is near at hand, the membrane of the nose 
becomes of a dark leaden or livid color. 

The Ears in disease lose their erectness and quickness of 
motion, becoming loose and flapping. In inflammation of the 
lungs they become quite cold, and slightly so in other diseases. 

The Eyes present a weeping appearance in colds, fevers, and 
glanders ; when they become glassy in the advanced stages of 
disease it indicates that death is about to take possession of the 
patient. 

The Mouth is hot in fevers and inflammation. Both the 
mouth and tongue are clammy and often quite offensive in 
smell in severe fevers. 

The Bi'ecdhing is rapid in fevers ; quite laborious in inflam- 
mation of the lungs ; laborious, short, and catchy in pleurisy. 
In the second-named disease the nostrils are quite spread, and 
in pleurisy the breath is hot. Deep, heavy, and snoring 
breathing indicates disease of the brain. 

The Skin. Heat of the skin denotes fever, while a dryness 
of the skin and hair indicates some acute disease already pres- 
ent or just coming on. 

The Flanks heave in inflammation of the lungs, pleura, and 
bowels, while they are tucked up in glanders, farcy, indiges- 
tion, and some other diseases. The flanks throb in thumps. 

Drooping of the Head is a sure sign of a sick horse, but 
may re]iresent a variety of diseases of different characters ; but 
when it is observed other symptoms should be looked for. 

Lying Down. In colic the horse will lie down often ; rolls 
and tries to keep on his back; gets up quickly and is soon 
down again. In severe cases he lies down quicldy, rolls over 
several times, and gets up or partially rises and sits for awhile 
like a dog, and then rolls again or gets up. In locked-jaw he 



350 SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE IN THE HORSE. 

' stands wide and as fixed as a statue ; in inflammation of the lungs 
he stands with his fore-feet well forward and dislikes to move 
at all or to lie down. 

Pointing with the Nose. The horse points with his nose to 
the flanks in cases of inflammation of the bowels and colic. In 
cases of inflammation of the feet or acute founder he points to 
his feet with his nose. 

Pointing with the Forward Foot indicates sweeney founder 
or a troublesome corn ; while dragging the forefoot shows dis- 
location of the shoulder joint. 



CHAPTER XLY. 

HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. . 

Bone spavin — Bronchitis — Brittle hoof — Blindness — Blistering — Bots — 
Cataract — Contraction of hoof — Colic — Capped hock — Curbs — 
Cough — Corns — Distemper — Diarrhoea — Drying the sweat — Fever 
— Fistula — Founder — Fits — Fractures — Galls — Glanders — Slings. 

BONE SPAVIN. 

BONE spavin is a deposit of bone on the inside and at the 
lower part of the hock, about at the union of the 
cannon-bone with the small bones of the hock, forming a 
hard tumor of greater or less size. It produces complete 
stiffness of the bones between which it occurs. 





BEAVlM. BOe SPAVIN. 



Symptoms. Many of the earlier symptoms may entirely 
elude detection, and the affection may not be observed until it 
has gained a firm hold ; especially so is this true in reference to 
horses that have very prominent hocks and are what some 
horsemen call " double-jointed." 

(351) 



352 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 



crtwrtio^g^M^I j|2 oS»r^5^ ""■*♦. whai-o? 



t0oaUiaiviA cujo^J 




HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 353 



When spavin is forming the first thing to attract attention 
will probably be lameness, which may be slight at first, but 

will very soon develop into that of 
a very serious character. When this 
is observed, a careful examination 
and comparison with the opposite 
hock joint soon determines its nature, 
as an unusual degree of heat and 
tenderness in the region of the inner 
splint bone will be found. 

Treatment. Various veterinary 
^ surgeons have asserted that this dis- 
ease cannot be cured, and that a 
spavined horse will always remain 
-a the subject of it, and therefore, un- 
sound ; but, practically, I know 
better, as I have, myself, invented 
and patented a medicine used by my- 
self for the past twenty years or 
more that I will guarantee, if taken 
in time, will not only perform a 
perfect cure from all lameness, but 
will leave the spavined joint as 
smooth as the other, and without a 
scar. 

I could (had I taken pains to do 
so), have had numerous affidavits to 
publish in this book as to the per- 
manent cures of bone spavin pro- 
duced by " Dimon's Spavin Cure." 
As to its general efficacy I must, 
for the benefit of my readers, give a few Canadian testimonials, 
all occurring the same season. They are as follows: 

" Walkerville, Ont., March 25, 1885. 
Having had charge of the horse stock of the Essex Stock Farm of Hiram 
Walker & Sons, located here, for the past year, and with all the large stock 




Showing nerve, artery, 
and vein 
e. Vein ; o. Arteiy. 



354 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 



on said farm (consisting of about 150 head), have had many quite stubborn 
cases of spavins, curbs, splints, etc., but have found none but that with a 
proper application of Dimon's Spavin Cure, used according to directions, I 
could not cure. It cured the imported stallion " Marquis," valued at $1,500, 
of a very large bog spavin of long standing, that had been treated for years 
by veterinary surgeons without doing it any good. 

I can recommend this ' ' Dimon's Spavin Cure " for all cases of spavin, 
curbs, splints, ringbone, etc. J. J. DuiON." 



CUT OF THE PASTERN AND OTHER BONES, LIGAMENTS, ETC. 




a Shank-bone. 

b Upper and larger pastern-bone. 

e Sessamoid-bone. 

d Lower or smaller paslern-bone 

« Navitular or sbuttle-bone. 

J" Coflfin-bone, or bone of the foot. 



Suspensory ligament inserted into the sessamoid-bone. 

Continuation of the suspensory ligament inserted into the smaller pastem-bone. 

Small inelastic ligament, tying down the sessamoid-bone to the larger pastera-bone 

A long ligament, reaching from the pastern-bone to the knee. 

Extensor tendon inserted into both the pasterns and the coffin-bone. 



" Walkerville, Ont., March 25, 1885. 
Having had care of the horses and colts for Hiram Walker & Sons of 
the Essex Stock Farm for a year, I wish to state that I have cured no less 
than five spavins during that time by the use of Dimon's Spavin Cure alone. 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 355 

used according to directions. I can most conscientiously recommend it as the 
best medicine in use for this purpose. I have also witnessed its beneficial 
effects on splints, curbs, etc. Chas. J. Stodgell." 

" Walkekville, Ont., March 28, 1885. 
I am a coachman for E. C. "Walker, Esq., of this place, and have charge 
of his horse-stock. Having had occasion to use Dimon's Spavin Cure in this 
stable, I can cheerfully recommend it as doing fully all that is claimed for it 
by the inventor. John Wetton." 

" Walkervtlle, Ont., April 11, 1885. 
Mr. Dimon: — I have much pleasure in advising you that the bottle of 
Spavin Cure given me by you vras used on a mare's shoulder and completely 
removed a stubborn callous in a week, which had been treated in various 
ways without producing the desired effect. J. D. Davis, 

Inspector of Distilleries." 

BRONCHITIS. 

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 
bronchial tubes, or large division of the windpipe. It fre- 
quently prevails in an epidemic form and may leave a horse 
with a chronic cough. 

Symptoms. At first the symptoms seem much the same as 
a common cold, but more severe. There is a cough and 
evident soreness of the throat and usuall}^ considerable fever ; 
mouth and nose are red, breathing hurriedly and thick, pulse 
quick and wiry. 

Treatment. First, the horse should be treated as for a fever. 
Place the subject in an open or airy place embraced by the 
word " comfortable." Of course it would not be comfortable to 
place a sick horse in an open shed in zero weather ; neither 
would it be comfortable for a horse to be placed in July, while 
suffering from a high fever, in a close stall and burdened with 
blankets. 

Give fifteen drops of the tincture of aconite root every four 
hours until six doses are given if necessary. Give plenty of 
cold water to drink, for pain and fever require plenty of fluid, 
as all the secretions are dried up. Relax the bowels and cool 
the stomach with green grass if it is in season, but if out of 
season for grass then give bran mashes, in which put steeped 



356 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

flax-seed or oil meal, one pint to a feed. On the second day, if 
necessary, give the following medicine : 

Powdered gentian root, . . .2 ozs. 

Powdered nux vomica, . . .1 oz. 

Mix, and divide into six powders, and give one morning, noon, and 
night. 

BRITTLENESS OF HOOF. 

A disease arising from keeping the hoof too dry, although 
it is a natural defect in some horses. It prevails most in hot, 
dry weather, and is sometimes quite a serious incumbrance. 

Treatment. Once, having a highly -bred and otherwise val- 
uable mare subjected to this disease, I succeeded in accomplish- 
ing a complete and permanent cure by the use of a hoof oint- 
ment of my own origination, and manufactured and composed 
as follows : 

Fish oil, . . . . . 1 qt. 

Oil of Tar, . . . . . 1 pt. 

Lard and verdigris, .... equal parts. 
Both together making one pint. 

Apply daily to a clean foot and rub over the whole crust and sole. The 
mare thus cured was known as Fannie Kenyon, and was the dam of Col. 
Sprague (see Wallace's Trotting Register), by Sprague's Hambletonian. son 
of Alexander's Abdallah, the sire of Gov. Sprague, 2.20^, erroneously credited 
to Rhode Island. 

BLINDNESS. 
It has been said of man that his eyes were the windows of 
his soul; they are surely, in the horse's case, the windows 
through which he looks into the w^orld. How sad to have them 
forever closed. Blindness may be, in a measure, hereditary, 
but it is by no means an affection to which the horse is liable 
in a state of ISTature. It is impossible to calculate the influence 
of bad management in producing blindness ; but when once a 
horse has become " stone blind " there is certainly no cure, and 
I doubt if we can do anything to even partially restore his 
sight. We can but treat such an unfortunate creature with the 
utmost care and tenderness. Blind horses often perform their 
work as well as others, and continue in it for many years. 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 357 

BOTS. 

The bot is a small yellowish grub or worm which may be 
found fastened to the inner coat of the upper part of the 
horse's stomach, from the fall until the next summer, or for 
a period of from ten to eleven months, — in such horses as run 
to grass or are exposed to the bot-bee in the late summer and 
early autumn. They are produced by the hatching of the eggs 
laid and glued on the hair of the horse by the bee, and which 
get into the mouth, and are hatched in the stomach; but, not- 
withstanding all that has been said and written about the bot 
worm, and notwithstanding the number of horses' lives sacrificed 
by ignorant doctors in endeavoring to kill bots in cases of 
colic and other severe internal diseases, I don't believe for a 
m.oment that the horse ever yet lived that has been killed or 
materially injured by bots. 

JS^o matter what disease a horse dies of, the stomach often 
congests quickly and then ruptures ; now some persons in open- 
ing such cases and finding the stomach ruptured and bots in the 
abdominal cavity, look no further for the cause of death, but 
jump at the conclusion : " bots have eaten through the stomach 
and killed the horse." 

The best books on the diseases of the horse say that bots do 
little if any harm ; and the man of all others who made the 
different kinds of bot flies and grubs a special study (Bracy 
Clark, Y. S.,) thinks they do rather good than harm. One 
thing is certain, there is but one thing to be done, and that is, 
to let them alone. There are probably more mistakes made in 
the treatment of horses supposed to l^e suffering from bots than 
for any other complaint Avhatever. 

In , my thirty years' experience as a horse doctor, I have 
been called to prescribe for quite a number of horses supposed 
to be afflicted with bots, but never lost a horse by death from 
this cause. The reason for this exemption from loss has arisen, 
I firmly believe, from the fact that I never dosed them with 
poisonous mixtures so much in favor with drivers and hostlers. 



358 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

BLISTERING. 

"When it is decided to blister any part, the hair should first 
be cut off as closely as possible ; the blister ointment is then 
rubbed in with the hand for ten minutes, leaving a good 
quantity smeared on the outside. If the legs are to be blistered 
the heels should be protected by lard. 

Blistering is sure to cause itching after two or three days, 
and great care should be taken that the animal does not gnaw 
the part to such an extent as to cause a serious blemish. 

Blisters may be composed of several different ingredients, of 
which the following remedy is, perhaps, as good as any. 

Biniodine of Mercury, . . .1 drachm. 

Lard, . . . . . 1 oz. 

Mix. 

In my practice I have not put a blister on a horse for up- 
wards of ten years ; but for spavins, curbs, splints, etc., where 
others think necessary to blister, I use Dimon's Spavin Cure in- 
stead, with uniformly better results. The latter acts as a 
sweat blister and does all that the blister will do and does not 

take off the hair. 

CATARACT. 

There are two species of cataract of the eye of the horse : 
one by a diseased condition of the lens, and the other a forma- 
tion of a false membrane over the lens ; either of which is 
liable to produce blindness. 

Symptoms. Cataracts are unlikely to be discovered by the 
careless owner or groom until a difficulty of vision is made 
obvious by the horse exhibiting the usual indications of blind- 
ness. It usually commences by a speck like a ray of the sun in 
appearance, forming on the lens of the eye, seen through the 
pupil either at its center or its upper or lower edge. This 
speck is liable to increase until it entirely covers the pupil, 
causing it to appear of a uniform whitish color, and producing 
complete blindness. 

Treatment. Yeterinary surgeons fail to agree as to the cura- 
bility of cataract, or rather, as to the propriety of operating 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 359 

for it. There are two different operations ; one is called " ex- 
tirpation of the lens," and the other is called " couching." I 
consider the former quite useless and the latter of doubtful 
utility. In either case, none should attempt to perform the 
operation save an experienced oculist. Perhaps the best thing 
generally to be done is to give laxative and cooling food, with 
not too strong light. 

CONTRACTION OF THE FOOT ; OR, HOOF BOUND. 

Contraction in this sense is the drawing in of the heels of 
the "walls of the hoof — the hoof becoming more erect, the 
lower part or bottom becoming smaller in circumference, and 
the frog diminished in breadth. It is caused by improper 
shoeing, founder, or thrush. 

Treatment. To effect a permanent cure there is nothing so 
good as to remove the shoes, turn the horse to grass, and let 
nature do the rest ; but in cases w^here this cannot be afforded, 
then the next best thing must be done, which is — remove the 
shoes, thoroughly cleanse the feet with soft soap and warm 
water and adapt to each a piece of soft sponge just the size of 
the sole and keep this well saturated with tincture of arnica or 
good liniment. This sponge should be well secured to the foot 
by proper bandages, and the horse should stand on the ground, 
should have light and cooling food and bowels kept well open. 

In case the horse with contracted feet must be kept steadily 
at work, then one must have him shod long and wide at the 
heels, without calks, and then possibly spread the heels by arti- 
ficial appliances (although, as a rule, I am a strong opponent to 
nearly all artificial appliances connected with the horse), and 
have him, if possible, so shod as to allow the frog to come to 
the ground. Eenew the shoeing as often as once in three 
weeks, nailing on one side only ; and never, in any case, allow 
the frog to be interfered with by the shoer. The feet should 
be stuffed every night with oakum well saturated with tincture 
of arnica in cold water — eight ounces of arnica to one gallon 
of water — or this may be profitably alternated with a poultice 



360 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

of soft soap and rye or linseed meal applied cold. ISTever, in 

any case, apply cow-manure to the foot of the horse, although 

an old-time remedy during those days when bleeding was 

recommended in nearly all cases and cold water withheld from 

the fevered patient. 

€OLIC. 

There are two kinds of colic, known as flatulent and spas- 
modic, of which flatulent or wind colic is the most frequent. 
It is a very distressing disease, but of short duration — the 
patient either getting well or dying within a few hours at most. 

Syinj)toms of Flatulent Colic. The horse becomes restless 
or uneasy ; comuiences pawing, and shows signs of pain. As 
the pain becomes more severe he looks around at his side; 
walks about anxiously ; lies down carefully ; rolls ; shows an 
effort to keep on his back ; gets up carefully ; walks around, 
and for a time seems better, but the paroxysm is soon renewed 
and he behaves as before, the pain evidently becoming more 
severe. The belly becomes swelled, caused by the wind or gas 
collected in the bowels. This species of colic is chiefly pro- 
duced b}^ indigestion, and it will generally be found that horses 
most subject to colic are gross feeders. 

Treatment. After placing the patient, in a roomy, well- 
littered box-stall, give at once a dose of Dimon's Colic Remedy 
as per directions, and repeat if necessary, according to direc- 
tions. I have used this never-failing remedy - — when taken in 
time — for the past fifteen years, and have j&i to lose my first 
patient. 

In the absence of Dimon's . Colic Eemedy, which should 
always be on hand, give one-half pint of saleratus dissolved in 
one pint warm water, as a drench ; and give an injection of 
warm soap-suds with three spoonfuls cayenne pepper and three 
spoonfuls molasses dissolved in it. Then, if necessary, give an 
anodyne drench, composed of 

Linseed oil, . . . . .1 pint. 

Oil of turpentine, . , . . 2 oz. 

Laudanum, . . . . . 2 oz. 

Mix, and give every hour until relief is effected. 



HOESE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 361 

An anodyne ball for colic, in mild cases only, may be pre- 
pared after the following formula : 

Powdered opium, . . . .2 drachms. 

Castile soap, . . . . 2 " 

Camplior gum (pulv.), . , . 2 " 

Ginger, . . . . . 2 " 

Make into a ball with licorice powder and treacle, and give every hour 
until relieved. 

SPASMODIC COLIC. 

While most writers on veterinary subjects describe all kinds 
of colic under one general name of " colic," my long experi- 
ence in veterinary practice teaches me that colic should prop- 
erly be divided into two classes. Spasmodic colic differs from 
common wind colic very essentially, inasmuch as spasmodic 
colic is a disease of the bowels, characterized by frequent and 
repeated spells of violent cramping. 

Symptoms. Spasmodic, like wind colic, is sudden in its 
attack, and no previous symptoms give warning of its ap- 
proach. As in wind colic, the horse commences pawing, strik- 
ing his belljT" with his feet, looks at his side, and soon lies 
down. In spasmodic colic he lies down very quickly and 
gathers his legs under, as if he would like to get down fiat on 
his belly. He rolls rapidly and does not seem disposed to get 
on his back, but rolls clear over ; gets partly up and sits on his 
haunches, etc. There is no swelling of the bowels in this kind 
of colic. 

Treatment for Spasmodic Colic. I have but one treatment 
for this disease, and have never lost a case when taken in time. 

I always use Dimon's Colic Remedy and always keep it on 
hand, and would advise every horse owner to do the same ; not 
simply for the slight revenue it would yield to me, but for the 
greatest good of the horse and his owner. Give this remedy 
according to directions accompanying each bottle, and save 
your horse every time. 

I will also give what I consider the next best remedy, which 
is as follows : 



362 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 



Spirits turpentine, . , . . 4 oz. 

Linseed oil, , . . . .12 oz. 

Laudanum, . , . . . li oz. 
Mix, and give every half hour until relieved. 

CAPPED HOCK. 
This is a swelling of a soft character appearing on the 
point of the hock where the great tendon — called the ham- 
string — is attached to the upper bone of the hock. It consists 





A CLEAN HOCKj 



A COKUV HOCK, SUGHTLV 
BULGING OVrr BF.HIND. 




^ CURBj 



of the enlargement of one of the little sacks situated near 
where the tendons are attached, and is of precisely the same 
nature as wind galls and thoroughpin. In some cases they be- 
come hardened after remaining for some time, but seldom do 
they produce lameness. They are caused by blows, kicks, or 
other violence to the points of the hocks. 

Treatment. First soak with hot water — not scalding hot ; 
then apply Dimon's Spavin Cure according to directions, and 
repeat until a cure is effected. In the absence of this remedy 
the next best thing, perhaps, is applications of a strong lini- 
ment like Dimon's Own Liniment, which anyone can make. 
See directions, page 346. 

CURBS. 

When a horse springs a curb, on its first appearance let up 
in his work, but give him some exercise ; don't think you must 
keep him entirely quiet, but be careful not to over-drive or 
over-draw for some time, but jog or give him liberty to exer- 
cise himself and treat him at once. First get the inflammation 
down by applying hot water and some mild liniment rubbed 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 363 

well into the hair ; then apply Dimon's Spavin Cure, that being- 
the best of anything I know, but if that is not at hand or easy 
to procure, then apply other spavin cure or strong liniment 
containing iodine. 

I have always found curbs, as well as spavins, to yield 
readily to the above-named Spavin Cure. 

A curb is among the least objectionable forms of unsound- 
ness. A crooked or curby-shaped hock is no more likely to de- 
velop actual curbs than a perfectly straight one. 

I prefer to use this Spavin Cure to blistering, for while it 
does not make a sore like a blister, it acts as a sweat blister^ 
opening the pores and forming a scurf. 

COUGH IN HORSES. 
Coughs in horses, from distempers, colds, or whatever cause,, 
often become chronic, but may be successfully treated as fol- 
lows: 

Spirits turpentine, . . . . 2 oz. 



Gum guaiacum. 
Mucilage of acacia, 
Laudanum, . 
"Water, 



ioz. 
6oz. 
4 oz. 
2 quarts. 



Mix, and give half a pint as a drench every night; shake bottle well be- 
fore pouring out. 

A ball may be made for bad colds and coughs not yielding 
to milder treatment, as follows : 

Nitrate of potassa, . . . .2 drachms. 

Tartarized antimony, . . .1 drachm. 

Powdered digitalis, . • • i " 

Gum camphor (pulv.), . . • i " 

Make into a ball with linseed meal and boiling water. 

Another remedy in the following will be found : 

Lobelia, powdered, . . . 1 oz. 

Cayenne pepper, . . . . 1 oz. 

Ginger, . . . . . 2 oz. 

Elecampane root, powdered, . . 2 oz. 
Dose, one tablespoonf ul once a day. 



364 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 




FOOT SHOWING CORN. 



COKNS. 

A corn is a bruise of the sensitive 
sole, its seat being in point of the sole 
in the angle between the wall and the 
bar, and almost always found on the 
inside of the fore foot. 

Treatment. Have them pared out 
and the cavity filled with pine tar ; then 
shoe with either bar shoes or with com- 
mon shoes with a leather sole under 
them between the foot and the shoe. 



DISTEMPER. 

Distemper is the usual name applied to all forms of com- 
mon epidemic that usually proves contagious, going through the 
stable ; it may prevail in different degrees of severity, from a 
slight cold to a dangerous influenza. 

Symj)toms. The prevailing symptoms are shivers, cough, 
and staring coat, failing of appetite and high fever ; also a 
swelling of the legs and about the head and neck — the throat 
being the most dangerous part. The nose discharges a yellow- 
ish substance, sometimes quite offensive to the smell, but if it 
runs freely, so much the better. 

Treatment. Keep warm and clean ; give aconite, fifteen 
■drops at a time in a little water, ever}^ two hours when the 
fever is moderately high ; but, in severe cases, give aconite as 
often as once in a half -hour for a while. 

For swollen throat caused by distemper, bind burdock leaves 
steeped in cider vinegar under the throat ; apply hot. I have 
also found the following treatment for colds and distemper 

quite beneficial : 

1 pint good whisky. 

2 ounces capsicum. 

2 ounces oil spikenard. 
Mix, and apply twice daily, externally, on the glands of the throat. 

In my own practice I use Dimon's Spavin Cure diluted with 
water, and applied as hot as can be borne. I find this gives 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 365 

me better results than I obtain from the use of any other ap- 
plication with which I am familiar, and this is a disease with, 
which I have had much experience in treating. 
Give a ball twice, daily, composed of 

4 ounces chloride of potash. 
4 ounces carbonate soda. 
2 ounces powdered rosin. 
2 ounces anise seed. 
■J ounce black antimony. 
Add one teaspoon of this powder to two ounces molasses and linseed meal 
enough to make a ball. 

DIARRHOEA OR SCOURS. 

This means a too frequent operation of the bowels, the dis- 
charge being changed in appearance from their natural condi- 
tion. Such cases generally succumb to rest and some attention 
to diet ; but in severe cases I would recommend the following : 

Treatment. Take 

Rhubard, powdered, . . . 1 oz. 

Ginger, powdered, . . .4 drachms. 

Opium, powdered, . . .1 drachm. 

Prepared chalk, . . .4 drachms. 

Mix, and divide into three parts, and give one dose every three hours until 
cured. 

Give plenty of water to drink, which will greatly assist to 
allay irritation or what disposition there may be to inflamma- 
tion. Bran mashes should be given for a few days. To over- 
come the effects of so much drying medicine, oil meal or 
ground flaxseed would be an excellent assistant in this, 
particular. 

SCOURS IN YOUNG COLTS. 

Young colts from various causes are sometimes attacked 
with scouring. 

Treatment. Tannin tea or tea made from the inner bark 
of the white oak tree is a sovereign remedy for scours in young 
colts ; it is also good for older animals. 



366 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

DRY UP THE SWEAT. 
A sudden drying up of sweat when the horse is being driven 
or worked indicates the near visitation of lung trouble, as in- 
flammation or pleurisy. 

FEVER. 

The subject of fever is one that has perplexed the minds of 
medical men for ages, and I do not propose in this M^ork to ex- 
amine the different theories heretofore advanced. I only pro- 
pose to give what seems to me a reasonable explanation of it. 

Fever is an increase of the heat or temperature of the ani- 
mal body. When in full health — although there are several 
sources of heat in the body and as many agencies operating on 
it of a cooling nature — there is never a change in the tempera- 
ture of any consequence ; not in the extreme, it is said, to over 
•one or two degrees. Consequently, when this temperature or 
animal heat becomes increased, that unhealthy condition called 
fever exists. 

If such increased heat were to continue the life of the ani- 
mal would soon be destroyed. Navin, in his excellent work, 
the "Explanatory Horse Doctor," mentions the varieties of 
fever among horses as " simple scarlet fever," " malignant scar- 
let fever," "typhus fev^er," "putrid fever," and "catarrhal 
fever or influenza." 

Treatment of Fevers in General. Fever should not always 
be treated as a disease of itself, for in the majority of cases it 
is only symptomatic of some local or general derangement. 
More or less fever will be found in all cases of inflammatory 
■character ; therefore, we should not let the fact of the presence 
of fever so engross our attention as to overlook the real 
malady. 

A fever as a disease may be regarded, when fairly seated, 
somewhat as " self-limited." That is, running a regular course 
up to a certain intensity, and then, all things being favorable as 
regards the patient's previous health, management, etc., the un- 
favorable symptoms gradually subside and the patient conva- 
lesces into a normal condition. 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 367 

I first give a mild dose of physic, followed by ten to fifteen 
drops of the tincture of aconite root two or three times in 
twenty-four hours, and allow plenty of pure air and cold 
water. 

Keep the patient as comfortable as possible as regards tem- 
perature, and not expose to drafts or severe cold in winter or 
to too close confinement and heat in summer. Discretionary 
judgment should be used as to what may be comfortable for the 
animal under treatment at all times and in all cases. 

The following mixture may be given once in twenty-four 
hours : 

Spirits of nitrous ether, . . 1 oz. 

Niter, . . . . . 4 drachms. 

Tincture of ginger, .. . .2 drachms. 

Camphorated spirits, . . .6 ozs. 

FISTULA : ALSO CALLED THISELO. 

Fistula is an abscess occurring about the withers of the 
horse. It usually appears at one side of the withers, generally 
forward, at about the place where the collar rests, but some- 
times as far back as where the saddle rests ; or it may locate at 
any joint between those places. Fistula, like poll evil, is re- 
garded as of scrofulous origin. 

Treatment. While there are various treatments for this 
somewhat troublesome and annoying disease, my observation, 
experience, and practice teach me that in cases where the 
fistula is decidedly established the following treatment is as 
good as any. 

First put a seton in at the lowest possible point in order to 
run off all accumulated matter. Bathe outside Avith Dimon's 
Spavin Cure or liniment. In severe cases it may be cut into 
and a solution of chloride of zinc diluted with Avater — one 
drachm of this to a pint of rain water, to be used as a syringe. 

ACUTE FOUNDER. 
Everyone is familiar with the word founder when applied 
to a lame horse, yet but few horsemen, even, comprehend the 
nature and seat of the affection. 



368 HOKSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 



CD 
I— I 

O 




HORSE AILMENTS AND HOTT TO DOCTOR THEM. 369 

Founder in all its forms is inflammation of the leaves which 
dovetail into each other, and bind the sensible and insensible 
portions of the foot together. It is called by some fever in the 
feet. But, regardless of names, this disease is of frequent occur- 
rence, and, "u-hen let alone, destroys many good horses by leav- 
ing them ever afterwards sore and •*' tender forward."' 

Symptoms. The horse will scarcely move. He stands upon 
his heels, with fore feet and legs stretched out as far as he can 
get, to throw the weight off them ; thus, to all appearance, 
making him hollow in the chest, which appearance has given 
rise to the idea that the chest is the seat of the disease, hence 
the term '■ chest founder." The hind legs are brought as far 
forward as possible ; the head is held erect and high. The ani- 
mal is quite feverish, externally excitable, and breathes fast and 
laboriously, altogether presenting a picture of great distress and 
suffering. 

Causes. Giving cold water when overheated and tu"ed from 
overwork; a tendency in the feet to take on inflammatory ac- 
tion ; the animal not in proper health or condition to perform 
heavy or fast work. 

Treatment. Plaoe the horse in a comfortable box stall with 
plenty of good, clean, soft bedding to encourage him to lie 
down, which will relieve him very much. Give twenty drops 
of the tincture of aconite root in a cup fidl of cold water to 
allay the fever, and repeat this every four hours until six doses 
have been given. Bathe the fore leg's in hot water, as hot as 
can be used without scalding, then bandage with woolen. (See 
instructions for bandaging in Chapter XXXY, p. 278.) 

Clean out and cleanse the bottom of the fore feet and fill 
the hoofs with hot lard and hold them up — one at a time — 
until it cools. After this the feet may be poulticed with lin- 
seed meal, into which may be added and stirred two ounces 
tincture aconite root and two ounces extract witch hazel to each 
poultice. Allow perfect rest for a few days and feed lightly. 
If the inflammation should remove to the lungs, it should be 
treated as lung fever. 
24 



370 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

FITS. 

This is a disease occasionally occurring in the horse and re- 
sembling the common fits in the human family. 

Symptoms. The horse stops, trembles, looks vacantly 
around him, staggers, and falls, or falls suddenly. The con- 
vulsions that follow are sometimes slight, but at other times are 
terrible ; they usually pass off in a few moments, and the horse 
gets up and proceeds as if nothing had happened. 

There is another variety of this disorder called " running 
fits," which, when attacking a horse, he will run for perhaps a 
mile or two for all that he is worth. Still another kind is 
called "kicking fits," which causes a horse to kick as if kicking 
for dear life, and this class I consider the most dangerous of 
all. I have owned horses subject to all the above variety of 
fits, but know of no cure for them. My invariable treatment 
for fits of all kinds is, first chloroform, then bury. 

FRACTURES OR BROKEN BONES. 

Fractures are liable to occur in any of the bones, but most 
frequently in the long bones. Experience has established the 
fallacy of destroying all horses that meet with a fractured 
limb. But while fractures are serious injuries, they should 
never be considered out of the reach of rational treatment. 

Fractures may occur in any bone of the limbs or body, and 
yet a perfect union of the parts may take place, especially so 
if the fracture is a simple one ; compound fractures, even, are 
occasionally united. 

I shall only give here the general principles to be observed, 
without describing particularly each fracture. This being done, 
almost any person of good common sense and a little ingenuity 
may reduce and bandage any fracture. First ascertain the 
nature and extent of the fracture, and then prepare the proper 
splints and bandages. 

The splints may be made of wood, hollowed out with a 
gouge, so as to fit the part to which the}^ are to be applied ; or 
a number of narrow splints may be used, being notched about 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 371 

two inches or so from the end and tied together with twine, 
three or four knots being tied between each to keep them 
apart. Several bandages of heavy muslin — cotton sheeting — 
are to be prepared and rolled up. A quantity of starch pre- 
pared, to soak the bandages in, or, what is better, a quantity of 
comfrey-root, grated down into mucilage. The fractured or 
broken ends of the bone are then to be brought together in 
their natural position. After which coat the limb with the 
prepared paste or mucilage by spreading the preparation on a 
cloth and then bandage the leg with several thicknesses of the 
rolled muslin. Then apply the splints in the proper place to 
keep the fracture perfectly in place. Apply the splints and 
then tie a twine around the middle sufficiently tight to hold 
the fracture firmly in place ; then tie the cords at the ends of 
the splints. After this dressing the limb will be thoroughly 
encased in a hard shell. 

Should the fracture be in the small or lower part of the leg, 
sole leather, softened in water and moulded to the limb, retain- 
ing it in place by bandaging, forms a very good splint. The 
horse, especially if high strung and nervous, should be kept 
upon his feet by tying up the head short for several days be- 
fore the slings are placed under him ; for if this is done at 
first, the animal, being fractious, throws himself off his feet, 
and all efforts to remedy the fracture may prove a failure. 
From six to eight weeks, according to the age of the animal, 
are necessary to complete the union of the parts. The animal 
should be kept mainly on mashes and green food during the 
treatment. 

"When the bone becomes properly knit together the hoof 
will become warm and the horse will be inclined to use the 
limb. The bandage may then be taken off, but the horse 
should be very carefully used for some time. As to the slings 
and the best method of use, see cut on page 368. 



373 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

HARNESS AND SADDLE GALLS. 

This at first is an inflamed tumor resulting from being 
bruised on the back, which, if neglected and repeatedly bruised, 
may develop into a very troublesome sore, and quite difficult to 
heal. 

Treatment. My own invariable and most successful remedy 
(after first removing the cause) is to cleanse with castile soap 
and water, and then apply Dimon's Black Oil with a feather, 
and continue this at intervals until a cure is effected. 

In the absence of this great remed}^ the following lotion or 
ointment may be quite successfully used. 

Lotion : Take the inside bark of white oak boiled in an iron 
kettle until it is quite black ; when boiling, drop in a piece of 
alum the size of a hen's Qgg., and to a gallon of this add a pint 
of proof alcohol and four ounces each tincture of arnica and 
camphorated spirits. "When thus prepared, bottle for use, and 
you will have a good lotion for all galls to which your horses 
may be liable, and this will be found to be quite handy to keep 
— bottled up — in the stables. This makes a cheap and handy 
lotion, but by no means equal to the Black Oil. Apply with a 
sponge. 

Ointment : The above-mentioned ointment may be prepared 
after the following recipe : 

Lard, one pound. 

Spirits turpentine, one pint. 

Oil tar, three tablespoonfuls. 

Oil sassafras, one dessert spoonful. 

This ointment is also good for mange and tail rubbing. 

COLLAR GALLS AND SORE BACKS. 

This is of the same character as the saddle gall, and which, 
if neglected or badly treated, will leave a scar or lump easily 
irritated by the collar, and thus be a source of permanent an- 
noyance. 

Treatment. Use Dimon's Black Oil, applied with a feather, 
according to the directions with each bottle ; or, in the absence 
of that, a lotion as follows may be prepared : 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 373 

(See recipe given for Saddle Galls, just above.) 
Tannin in solution, one pint. 
Strong tea of arnica flowers, one pint. 
Alcohol, one-half pint. 
Treat same as for harness galls, which treatment see. 

GLANDERS. 

Of all diseases to which horseflesh is heir, this is universally 
acknowledged to be the most fatal, as well as the most loath- 
some. 

Syvvptoms. The first appearance of glanders is a dry but 
not staring appearance of the hair; the flesh wastes away 
rapidly on dry food, but will return again temporarily on 
brewer's grain, or soft, nutritious food ; but soon, however, the 
hair becomes staring and the horse begins to exhibit indica- 
tions of failing strength and vitality. The next and most 
characteristic symptom will be a discharge from the nostrils of 
a lighter or paler color than that of common cold ; not so pro- 
fuse but of a more glutinous or sticky character, generally 
affecting but one nostril, and this is usually the left one. The 
discharges are somewhat offensive, and the further advanced 
the case is the more so it becomes. As Mr, ISTavin says : " After 
the disease has progressed to what might be termed the second 
stage, the discharge from the nose will be streaked with pus or 
matter, and in examination, the membrane of the nose will 
present a dark purple hue, or even a leaden color, widely differ- 
ing from the pink blush of health or the fiery red of fever in 
inflammation," 

The breathing now becomes more affected, generally ac- 
companied by some cough ; the hind legs swell, and the powers 
of life give way, and death finally claims his severely-punished 
victim. 

Treatment. "When the diagnosis of this case is fully con- 
firmed, as it is undoubtedly highly contagious both to the 
horse and to man himself, the patient should be destroyed at 
once. By the use of green food and good care his life may be 
prolonged for a time, and he may be able to accomplish a cer- 



374 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

tain amount of work ; but the risk of contagion is too great to 
be incurred, and no man who regards his own welfare and that 
of his neighbors should keep a glandered horse. 

GANGRENE. 

This is a synonymous term for mortification or death of a 
part, and is characterized by a livid or black color. Gangrene 
is attended, or is ushered in, by a sudden cessation of pain, 
which has often been mistaken for recovery. 

When gangrene of an external part takes place there is a 
material change in the condition of the part and it assumes 
altogether a different aspect ; the swelling subsides, and on 
touching the part a crackling sound is produced, owing to the 
evolution of gas. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. — Continued. 

Heaves — Inflammations — Indigestion — Lameness — Lampas — Lung fever 

— Lice — Locked-jaw — Mange — Proud flesh — Pleuro-pneumonia — 
Poll evil — Quittor — Roaring — Ringbone — Scratches — Stumbling — 
Shoe-boil — Slavering — Setons — Strains — Sprains — Surfeit — Splint 

— Stocking — String-halt — Sv^^eeney — Thrush — Tumors — Tail rub- 
bing — Thick water — Thoroughpins — Thumps — Wind galls — 
Worms. 

HEAVES. 

AYIOLENT heaving action of the ribs and flanks as the 
air passes out of the lungs is known by the name of 
heaves, broken- wind, and thick-wind. It is very similar to 
asthma in the human patient, but the asthma in man only oc- 
curs in paroxysms or spells, whereas in horses it is constant, 
especially so when the horse is exercising. 

When an animal is suffering from > heaves or broken-wind 
there is a peculiarity of breathing which cannot be mistaken, 
particularly directly after violent exercise. The air is drawn 
into the lungs in less time by a heavey horse than b}^ a sound 
one, and with perceptible degree of labor. The effort of ex- 
pelling air is accompanied by a peculiar difficulty which re- 
quires a double effort, in the first of which, as described by Mr. 
Blaine, the muscles operate and the other auxiliary muscles, 
particularly the abdominal, are put on the stretch to complete 
the expulsion more perfectly; and that being done the flank 
falls, or the abdominal muscles relax with a kind of jerk. 
From this peculiarity of breathing the name heaves has been 
given. The disease is generally preceded and accompanied by 
a cough, perfectly characteristic, and by which an experienced 
horseman would detect the disease in the dark. 

When the disease has become established there is no possi- 

(375) 



376 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

bility of a cure, for the ruptured cells can never be repaired. 
Much may be done, however, to ward off the disease and to al- 
leviate it. More depends upon the food and exercise than is 
generally supposed. Horses that are greedy feeders and eat 
large quantities of slightly nutritious food, when worked or 
driven upon a full stomach, are the ones most likely to be 
affected ; hence, the disease is more common among farmers' 
horses, which are fed mostly upon hay, than among those kept 
in livery stables and cities, where the ration of hay is limited 
and grain is fed regularly. 

]S"ar row-chested horses are more subject to the heaves than 
deep-chested ones. Dusty and mow-burnt hay should be 
avoided. Water sparingly, particularly in the morning and 
through the day when the animal is exercised. Green food is 
ahvays preferable to dry ; carrots are particularly useful ; they 
are rapidly digested and seem to have a peculiar beneficial 
effect upon the respiratory system. The horse affected with 
heaves should have moderate exercise every day. He should 
never be left standing in a draft of wind, and should always 
have a blanket thrown over him when standing in harness out 
of doors or under an open shed. 

Treatment. Give one part each fluid extract lobelia and oil 
of tar ; give a teaspoonf ul twice daily ; better put on tongue 
just at taking out of stable for use, or may be given in feed. 
Give plenty salt, feed but little hay, and wet all feed. Put a 
tablespoonful air-slacked lime to a pail of water for wetting 
the food. 

Another remedy : Beat three eggs in one quart of pure 
fruit vinegar and after it has stood about three days, or when 
well incorporated together, add one pound strained honeyo In 
tablespoon doses it can be given in feed twice a day, or may 
be placed on the tongue. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 
The inflammation is in the mucous membrane or inner lin- 
ing of the bladder. 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM, 377 

Symptoms. The symptoms of inflammation of the bladder 
are a considerable fever, great anxiety of the continence, con- 
stant straining efforts to urinate, but little water being passed, 
and that quite dribbly. The animal will straddle when moving 
as if he feared to bring his thighs together. 

To distinguish inflammation of the bladder from that of the 
kidneys, in the latter there will be tenderness over the kidneys 
on pressure, which tenderness does not exist in inflammation of 
the bladder. 

In inflammation of the bladder, if the hand is passed into 
the rectum, the bladder can be felt under it, and will be 
swollen, hard and very hot ; in inflammation of the kidneys 
the bladder will be felt but generally not so full, and will not 
be hotter than other parts. This is the best method of dis- 
tinguishing between the two. 

Ti'eatment. Give twenty-five drops of tincture of aco- 
nite root every four hours until six doses have been given. 
Oive flax-seed tea to drink, but if the animal refuses to drink 
give as a drench. Give plenty of cold water to drink. 

INDIGESTION. 

Indigestion in horses is equivalent to dyspepsia in man. It 
is the foundation of other and more alarming diseases, among 
which are colic, inflammation of the stomach, liver, bowels, 
€tc. 

Symptoms. The appetite becomes irregular. An unnatural 
appetite will be manifested by the horse eating dirt, dry sticks, 
etc., and especially the dirty straw with which he is bedded, 
and for which, at times, he seems to have a great relish. His 
bowels become more or less afi'ected. He passes much undi- 
gested grain in his manure which is often covered with slime. 
"Worms are usually more or less connected with indigestion. 

Treatment. The best possible treatment that I know of, is 
to turn the horse out to grass, and when you take him up again 
give regular feed and regular work to prevent a recurrence of 
the trouble. The following might be given, also : Powdered 



378 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

opium, one drachm, tartar emetic one-half drachm, mixed 
with linseed meal and boiling Avater. Give every six hours, 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Symptoms. A straddling in the hind legs and a constant 
effort to urinate ; the water being passed is in small quantities 
and sometimes bloody, but mostly natural in appearance ; these 
are the common symptoms. Pressing hard over the kidneys 
will show that it produces pain ; the pulse and breathing are 
increased. 

Treatment. Give thirty to forty drops of muriatic acid in 
a bucket of cold water to drink, continuing occasionally until 
cured. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 

Inflammation of the uterus or womb sometimes attacks 
mares a few days after foaling or after an abortion ; more fre- 
quently after the latter. The symptoms are the same as those 
attending most other internal inflammatory diseases. 

Treatment. Treatment in all cases of inflammation must 
be prompt and vigorous, or it can be of but little value. Give 
twenty-five drops tincture of aconite root every four hours un- 
til six doses are given. Inject warm — not hot — water, in 
which add, to two quarts of water, one-half ounce pulverized 
slippery elm bark, and fine ground flaxseed one-half ounce, or its 
equivalent in flaxseed tea. After this, the following may be ' 
given in a drench or ball, — a ball is better. If given as a 
drench use warm water. 

Tartar emetic, . . . .60 grains. 

Sweet spirits nitre, .... 1 oz. 
Tincture of digitalis, . . . 1 oz. 

Repeat the dose if necessary. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 

Common inflammation of the eye is often the result of colds, 

and in such cases presents at first only the ordinary symptoms 

of that affliction ; but when deeper affection than this takes 

place the inside of the lids will be red, and the eyes will look 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 379 

blood-shot with the lids more or less swollen and partially 
closed with weeping, or dropping tears ; the general health 
will be but little affected, as the horse will usually eat well and 
perform his usual everyday work. 

Treatment. Brush the inside of the swollen lids with a 
camel hair pencil dipped in a lotion of " blue stone " or nitrate 
of silver, four grains to an ounce of rain-water. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

The mucous membrane or inner lining of the intestines is 
liable to become inflamed. This produces a dangerous disease 
if neglected or improperly treated. 

Treatment. Few diseases require more prompt or energetic 
treatment than this, as it runs its course very rapidly and with- 
out proper treatment almost invariably proves fatal. My own 
treatment is to first give a quick acting, powerful physic, fol- 
lowed immediately by an injection of warm — not hot — water, 
to one gallon, of which has been added a pint of linseed oil, an 
ounce of aloes, and a handful of table salt. Such injection may 
be continued every half hour. Also apply blankets wrung out 
of boiling water to the belly, and renew them in about twenty 

minutes. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

From whatever cause, may be successfully treated, as 
follow : 

Give fluid extract of aconite seed, spirits nitre (4 per cent.) 
in equal parts. Dose, 1 drachm; repeat in one hour if neces- 
sary. 

INJECTIONS. 

These are composed of warm water, soap, and a handful of 
table salt. Be careful not to have the water too hot ; about 
blood warm. To give the injection to a horse, have a large 
syringe, holding at least a pint of fluid. 

The diseases most requiring injections are the various varie- 
ties of colic — especially so, where Dimon's Colic Eemedy is 
not at hand — stoppages, inflammation of the bowels, etc. 
Every horse owner should be the possessor of a good syringe 



380 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

or be so situated that he may have ready access to the use of 

one at all times, as this is an investment that will surely pay in 

the end. 

LAMPAS. 

Lampas is an affection of the mouth, quite common in colts 
and young horses, but rarely in old ones. It consists of a 
swelling of the bars of the palate adjoining the gums at the 
back of the upper nippers. 

Treatmfient. My method is to prick the affected bars in sev- 
€ral places near the middle with a lance or a sharp-pointed 
knife, so as to draw the blood ; then take about an ounce of 
powdered alum and a handful of fine salt and rub in 
thoroughly. 

While working in the mouth of the horse a stick should be 
put across, within the mouth, to protect the operator. 

LAMENESS. 
It requires all the judgment an experienced person can ex- 
ercise to locate some cases of lameness ; for instance, — a dis- 
eased liver will often produce lameness in the right shoulder. 

LUNG FEVER. 

Also known as pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs. 
It sometimes occurs in the form of congestion of the lungs, in- 
flammation never having taken place, and the lungs remain in 
a congested state, engorged with blood, until the animal dies. 
Inflammation of the lungs is one of the most common and 
most fatal diseases of the horse. 

Symjptoms. Chill followed by fever and increased for a 
short time, and is succeeded by cold legs and ears, quickened 
breathing, and wide-open nostrils ; a peculiar quivering of the 
muscles of the side and breast will be observed in all cases of 
Inflammation of the lungs, and will rarely deceive. 

Treatment. Place the horse in a light and airy place and 
clothe him according to the weather. Bandages for the legs 
will, at all seasons, be necessary to keep them warm, and to 
that extent relieve the lungs of a portion of the blood. Aco- 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 381 

nite, judiciously given, is the most beneficial remedy that I am 
acquainted with. Give twenty -five drops of tincture of aconite 
root in a cup full of cold water as a drench, or the same 
amount of aconite made into a ball. Repeat the dose every 
four hours until relief is given, till six doses have been admin- 
istered. In most cases from one to three doses will suffice. 

LOCKED JAW OR TETANUS. 

This is a nervous affection of the muscles of the jaw and 
neck. The name is derived from the fact that the muscles of 
the jaw become powerfully affected, presenting one of the most- 
alarming features of the disease — the inability to chew or 
swallow. Locked jaw frequently takes place as the last thing 
before death in cases of severe wounds and other accidents. 

Treatment. Eemove the animal into comfortable quarters 
by himself, where no sight or sound will be likely to disturb 
him, and allow no curious idler to intrude. Place a bucket of 
thin gruel where he can get at it without an effort to- 
reach it. This is all the food he will need, but renew every 
day and keep sweet. Administer thirty drops of diluted 
prussic acid night and morning. Burdock leaves steeped in. 
pure cider vinegar, applied hot, may be bound on under the 
jaws, as in case of distemper (which see), and the spine 
may be well rubbed every day with Dimon's Spavin Cure ; 
and, in extreme cases, chloroform may be administered occa- 
sionally as a temporary relief to severe pain. (See directions, 
for administering chloroform. Chap. XLYII, page 403.) 

LICE. 

These troublesome parasites should never be allowed to at- 
tack the horse, but will occasionally be found on colts, and 
especiallj^ weanlings and yearlings. Being of considerable size,, 
they can readily be seen, and should be destroyed at once. 

Treainnent. Lice may readily be destroyed by rubbing into 
the roots of the hair white precipitate in powder, taking care to 
avoid sweating or wetting the skin for several days afterwards. 



382 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

MANGE. 

Mange is an infectious disease whicli attacks the horse's 
skin in the form of a pimpled eruption, the skin on the parts 
affected soon becoming stripped of hair and of a rough, puck- 
ered, scurvy appearance, and which has no tendency to get well 
of itself, but goes on from bad to worse, reducing the animal to a 
most loathsome object, until, finally, it dies. 

Symptoms. Its first appearance is usually on the upper 
part of the neck, at the roots of the mane. It first shows itself 
in small pimples, which soon break, the parts becoming very 
itchy. The hair loosens and falls off, the skin become thick 
and covered with patches of thick scurf ; in some cases a 
watery fluid oozes out and a scab forms, which, after a while, 
comes off leaving a large, rough, scaly spot. These blotches 
continue to spresid over the body. 

Treatment. Take a damp, soapy cloth and dip in fine sea 
sand and give the mangy parts a good scrubbing and scouring 
to expose the " acari," a living insect (like mites in cheese) ; 
then wash off and dry with a cloth, and apply a mixture of 

Flour sulphur, . . . .8 ounces. 

Fish oil, . . . . .1 pint. 

Spirits of turpentine, - . . .3 ounces. 

Rub well in with the hand; apply every third day until a cure is obtained, 

PROUD FLESH. 

Proud flesh is the name applied to hasty granulations in a 
sore or wound, which presents a fungous appearance. 

Treatment. To remove I usually appl}^ finely powdered 
burnt alum. There may be other things as good or even bet- 
ter, but, having used this simple remedy in my practice for 
many years with very satisfactory results, I do not hesitate to 

recommend it. 

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

This is an acute inflammation of the lungs and pleura. It 

may occur during either the progress of pleurisy or lung fever ; 

or both structures mav be attacked at the same time. This 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 383 

disease generally assumes a typhoid state, and has prevailed as 
an epidemic in different parts of our country at different times, 
and in many cases has proven fatal. 

Treatment. Treat the horse as for inflammation of the 
lungs or lung fever, by giving him pure air, cold vrater, and 
aconite. Give twenty-five drops tincture of aconite root in a 
cup full of cold water as a drench, or the same amount in a ball. 
Repeat the dose if necessary every four hours until six doses 
are given. 

POLL EVIL. 

Poll evil is an abscess making its appearance on the poll of 
the head. If not subdued it shows no inclination to heal, but 
continues to discharge a large quantity of thick, offensive mat- 
ter. Among the causes of this malady may be the over-pres- 
sure of a tight headstall, the reining down the head with a 
martingale which stretches the muscles of the poll too tight, or 
a thump or blow dealt on the head. 

Treatment of Thistelo or Poll Evil. Take chloride of zinc, 
one drachm in a pint of water, and carefully inject into every 
part two or three times a week, after first putting in a seton 
as near the bottom of the abscess as possible, and saturating the 
tape forming the seton with a poisonous solution. 

Poll evil and fistula of the withers are really one and the 
same, only differently located. 

QUITTOR. 

Quittor is a fistulous abscess in the foot ; it is of a painful 
and serious nature, and of the same origin as poll evil and fis- 
tula in the shoulder. It is known by a large swelling around 
or above the hoof and where the hair joins the hoof, which 
soon breaks and discharges pus. 

Causes. A prick from a nail, a bruise on the sole, a bad 
corn, a gravel, or sometimes from the action of a sand crack. 

Treatment. When determined to be caused by a bruised 
sole or the prick of a nail, make a free opening through the 
sole at the point of injury and let the matter out ; after this a 



384 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

flaxseed poultice may be applied and kept oa for several days, 
changing it twice a day. It will discharge a quantity of 
healthy matter and incline the quittor to heal. 

ROARING. 

This malady is known by the peculiar roaring, whistling, or 
blowing sound produced in the breathing ; but it is only ob- 
served when the horse is exercised. It is the result of some 
disarrangement in the air passages. 

Treatment. In the earlier stages of the disease the follow- 
ing may be administered : First, frequent applications of 
Dimon's Spavin Cure, or a blister applied over the part of the 
air passage which seems to be affected, and, at the same time, 
use the following with a view to removing any false deposits in 
the air passages : 

Indigo, . . . . .1 ounce. 

Saltpeter, . . . . .4 ounces. 

Rain water, . . . ,1 gallon. 

Mix, and give one pint in feed twice a day. 

But in advanced stages it is hardly worth the trouble to at- 
tempt treatment, for it will be of but doubtful utility. 

In bad cases of valuable young horses an operation called 
tracheotomy may be performed. It consists of an opening into 
the windpipe and keeping a silver tube inserted therein ; but as 
this is a surgical performance of a difficult nature it is not ad- 
visable as being at all practical except in very rare cases. 

RINGBONE. 

Eingbone is a deposit of bony matter taking place either 
on or near the pastern bone, being in reality an ossification of 
the ligaments and muscles about the parts and firmly attaching 
itself to the pastern bone, as if a part of it. This bony tumor 
often nearly, and sometimes quite, encircles the end of the 
pastern bone, forming a ring — hence the name, ringbone. 

Treatment. For cases of recent origin, shave off the hair 
and apply the following ringbone liniment : 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 385 

Spirits turpentine, . . . -I pint. 

Oil spike, . . . . . .1 giU- 

Britisli oil, . . . . .1 ounce. 

Corrosive sublimate, . .. .2 ounces. 

Shake well in the bottle and bathe the parts twice a day until quite sore ; 
then stop bathing and grease with lard or any soft grease daily until well. 

Another methodj and one perhaps equally as good, is, after 
shaving off the hair, apply a blister composed of one part each, 
biniodine of mercury and pulverized cantharides to six of lard, 
and apply with friction. Keep the head tied up for four hours 
so that it cannot get to the parts treated, or an ugly blemish 
may follow. Repeat this treatment until three applications 
have been given, which should consume not less than two 
months' time. 

SCRATCHES OR GREASE HEEL. 

This is a common affliction in all countries with which I am 
acquainted. It commences in the cavity above the heel, and 
between it and the fetlock. It is characterized, when fully de- 
veloped, by hard scabs, sometimes in clusters and sometimes, in 
extreme cases, covering the leg from the heel to knee or hock, 
or by deep cracks in the skin. This disease may be properly 
divided into two stages ; the first being generally known as 
scratches, and the second as grease or grease heel. 

Treatment. There are many remedies given for the cure of 
this disease. I will present my readers with a few which I con- 
sider as good as the best in all cases. 

"Wash, clean with castile soap and wipe reasonably dry. 
Apply ointment made of one ounce of carbolic acid to two 
tablespoonfuls of lard, and rub in well. 

A second remedy is : One pint fish oil, one ounce verdigris, 
one tablespoonful salt. Heat well and stir thoroughly, then 
add two ounces white hellebore, powdered, and three ounces 
sulphur. Stir as it cools. Apply with fingers, filling all cracks. 
After a day or two wash thoroughly with castile soap and 
warm water, and rub dry; then fill the sore and the hair around it 
35 



386 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

with dry sulphur. Continue to use the salve until the scabs 
come off, when only the sulphur need be used. If scabs show 
again, use salve again. Whenever the legs are wet dry with 
the sulphur. 

Still another preparation may be had in the following: 
Clean the parts affected with castile soap and warm water, 
then apply carbolic acid reduced with water to twenty parts to 
one of acid ; apply with a sponge and cover the heel with a 
dry bandage ; repeat at intervals. 

SPAVINS. 

Blood and bog spavin are one and the same disease, techni- 
cally called bursal enlargements. Usually there is no pain or 
apparent inconvenience to the animal, but when its presence is 
accompanied by lameness it is due either to acute inflammation 
of the cartilage membrane covering the articular surface of 
the bones constituting the joints, or it may be the result of 
injury to the bone itself. In either case no time should be 
lost in prompt and judicious treatment. 

Treatment. Bathe the parts affected with hot water for ten 
or fifteen minutes ; then rub tolerably dry and apply Dimon's 
Spavin Cure or some other spavin cure or strong liniment twice 
a day. If of long standing a blister may be applied, composed 
of iodine and mercurial ointment in equal parts, and rub well ; 
if the first application does not have the desired effect in 
twenty-four hours, repeat ; then discontinue, but, if necessary, 
apply again in two weeks. 

SAND CRACK OR SPLIT HOOF. 

Sand crack is a crack in the wall of the hoof, running with 
the grain or up and down, occurring either at the quarters or 
at the toe. The former is sometime called " quarter-crack," the 
other "toe-crack." Quarter-crack most frequently occurs in 
the fore feet and at the inner quarters ; toe-crack in the hind 
feet. 

Treatment. The foot should be rested, or at least that part 
of it where the crack occurs, which, if in the fore foot, may be 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 387 

effected by a properly arranged bar shoe, throwing the pressure 
on the frog, and taking care that the crust behind the crack is 
not in contact with the shoe. By this plan I have been able to 
cure sand crack during moderate work. 

In obstinate cases the shoe may be so arranged on either the 
fore or hind foot as to not bear much weight of the wall near 
the crack upon the shoe, and while the foot is stripped of the 
shoe drive a fine nail through in the usual place, leaving it up- 
right, and then, on placing the shoe, be sure and have one of 
the holes punched so as to come near the crack and on the op- 
posite side of the nail already driven ; and then, with a fine 
annealed wire passed over the two nails, draw the crack to- 
gether as far as possible. 

Keep the hoof moist with the following ointment, which I 
have used for many years, and which I call " Dimon's Hoof 
Ointment " : 

Fish oil, . . . . .1 pint. 

Pine tar, , . . . .1 pint. 

Oil of tar, . . . . .2 ounces. 

Melt and stir together and apply, after first washing and drying the hoof. 

STOCKINQ OR SWELLING OF THE LEGS. 
The legs of the horse are quite liable to be attacked with 
swelling, occurring much oftener in the hind legs than in the 
fore ones. The extent and degree of swelling varies greatly, 
as also does its duration. Swelling of the legs frequently takes 
place as an accompaniment to other diseases, but I am now 
speaking of this subject as a disease of itself. It is an acute in- 
flammation of the cellular tissue of the legs. 

Si/77iptoms. This disease is generally quite sudden in its 
appearance, and a horse may appear all right at night and the 
next morning be swollen from the hoof to the hock ; but it is 
usually more gradual. This swelling is usually attended with 
a great deal of heat and swelling in the diseased part and a 
stiffness rather than a lamenesss. Generally the swelling goes 
down when the horse is exercised, and returns again from long 
standing. 



388 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

Treatment. Soak the swollen legs in hot water — as hot as 
can be conveniently used — then bathe freely with either Di- 
mon's Spavin Cure or a stable liniment applied with friction, 
and bandage. (See instructions as to bandaging in " Manage- 
ment of the Trotter.") Give the following ball : 

Powdered sulphate of iron, . . 1 drachm. 

Powdered gentian root, . . .2 drachms. 

Spanish fly, . . . .2 grains. 

Mix, and in mild cases give once a day ; in severe cases give twice. Give 
a bran mash every night, and one teaspoonf ul of Fowler's Solution of arsenic 
to a bucket of water for a drink once a day for two days. 

STUMBLING. 

Yeterinary writers are nearly all silent on this subject, 
while those who venture to mention it at all call it a " habit." 
In this I do not agree with them. While any and all horses 
are liable to stumble and sometimes fall, yet an habitual 
stumbler cannot be regarded as a safe animal to either ride or 
drive — especially to drive in single harness when attached to a 
two-wheeled vehicle. Neither do I believe we have a right to 
call a chronic stumbler a sound horse, inasmuch as there must 
be a source of unsoundness about him as a primary cause of hi& 
stumblino^. 

I regard the cause as nervous debilit}^ resulting in atrophy 
of the muscles of the shoulder. 

Treatment. For a stumbling horse without apparent cause 
for stumbling, occasionally bathe the shoulders well with hot 
water and then apply Dimon's Spavin Cure with friction, giv- 
ing at least ten minutes' good hard hand rubbing. Otherwise 
treat, work, or drive as usual. 

SLAVERING. 
From certain causes the glands of the horse's mouth become 
excited to secrete undue quantities of saliva, and it runs from 
the mouth in the form of slavers ; it may be of such an extent 
or so long continued as to seriously reduce his flesh and 
strenofth. 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 389 

The cause of slavering may be from eating some weed, such 
as wild lobelia; or some of the grasses, as white clover or 
clover rowen ; or it may be caused by a sharp or ragged-edged 
tooth or snag of a tooth, or a rough bit with a rough driver. 
Anything to cause soreness or irritation of the mouth may pro- 
duce slavers. 

Treatment. Get rid of the cause as soon as possible. If a 

broken tooth, take it out ; if a sharp edge of a tooth, rasp it 

smooth ; if a rough bit, change it ; if a rough driver, change 

him at once. 

SHOE BOIL. 

A shoe boil is a swelling at the elbow, near the place of 
buckling the girth, and has been called a callous of the elbow. 
It is usually caused by a bruise of the hoof or shoe in lying 
down in the stable. It frequently assumes the size of a hen's 
Q^g., and is sometimes much larger. It often becomes painful, 
and many times interferes with the work of the horse; 
after it becomes thus troublesome the horse will often avoid 
lying down at all, or will change his position when doing so. 

Treatment. Bathe the parts two or three times per day with 
hot water, to which may be added a solution of carbolic acid, 
one part to twenty of water. Saturate a pledget of tow or 
oakum with turpentine and put into the opening, which will 
keep it discharging for several days, which is very necessary. 
"When the tumor has subsided and the discharge stopped it will 
heal very readily. If it does not break of itself,- 1 would recom- 
mend a seton, put in as low down as possible. 

STRAIN OF THE STIFLE JOINT. 
The stifle joint is composed of the union of the lower end 
of the upper thigh bone with the head of the lower and larger 
thigh bone and the patella forming the front part of the joint. 
This joint is a very strong and complicated one, and corre- 
sponds to the knee joint of man, including the knee-pan. This 
joint becomes sometimes dislocated or put out of place, and oc- 
casionally strained ; the injury is usually called stifle, or the 
horse is said to be stifled. 



390 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

Treatment. Give absolute rest in all cases. If the lame- 
ness proceeds from a strain only, then bathe with warm water 
and apply with friction Dimon's Spavin Cure, as recommended 
for all strains ; but if the lameness is caused by a dislocation of 
the stifle or patella, then, if in Avinter, give a roomy box stall 
kept clean, and have a stifle shoe made and tacked on to pre- 
vent the bone from sliding out of place and knuckling at every 
step. If in mild weather turn out in a level lot or paddock 
with shoe, as above. 

STRINGHALT. 

This is a peculiar twitching up of one or both of the hind 
feet when the horse is in motion. It is caused by a derange- 
ment of the nerves supplying the muscles which produce it. 

Youatt does not regard stringhalt as unsoundness, but I do ; 
still, this ailment does not materially injure the usefulness of 
the animal affected. 

Treatment. All that can be done for this malady is to re- 
store in a measure the lost influence of the nerves of the mus- 
cles of the thigh. This may be best accomplished by rest, good 
feeding, and care ; also give one grain of strychnia nux vomica 
in the food daily for six weeks. In addition to this give thirty 
drops of Fowler's Solution of arsenic in a bucket of drinking 
water every other day for some length of time. 

In 1872 I cured a valuable mare of a severe case of this eye- 
sore (of a recent occurrence, however) with much the same 
treatment as above. 

SWEENEY. 

Sweeney is an infection of the muscles of the outside of the 
shoulder. It is a very common disease in the Western States. 
It is characterized by the shrinking of the shoulders, accom- 
panied by lameness. It is atrophy, or the wasting away of the 
muscles. 

Treatment. Fill a small sack with cayenne pepper and salt. 
Dip the sack in water and rub the affected parts quickly and 
vigorously, up and down the shoulder ; then apply Dimon's 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 391 

Spavin Cure, or good liniment, with friction, also ; use every 
other morning until a cure is effected. 

SET0N8 AND ROWELS. 

Setons may be composed of pieces of tape or common 
lamp-wicking, or of hair from the tail of the horse, or from com- 
mon cotton cloth, or string like a large fishline. I prefer the 
tape string of proper size to the hair ; pass it through and be- 
neath the skin, leaving the two ends hanging out, either tied 
together or with a knot at each end. I think the latter plan 
the safer, as a loop is liable to get caught into sometimes and 
may get torn out. 

Among veterinary instruments we find a needle made 
on purpose for putting in setons, and called a seton needle. 
This is very handy for all horsemen to have ; they come in 
various sizes, calculated for use in various places. By the 
aid of this needle and tape, or other material, smeared with 
blister compound, a large tract of the cellular membrane — by 
pinching up the skin into a fold — can be pierced close to the 
body ; the needle is then carried straight through. In three 
or four days a profuse discharge will commence, and must be 
kept up, if necessary, by repeated applications of this blister. 
The ends of the seton should be sponged occasionally to re- 
move the accumulated matter. 

STRAINS AND SPRAINS. 

A strain is a severe wrenching of the muscles, tendons, or 
ligaments of some part of the structure, in which some of the 
fibers may be lacerated or torn. Strains constitute an impor- 
tant class of the accidents of the horse. Strains of many parts 
require special attention at once — such as strains of the cofiin 
joint, of the back sinews, of the stifle, of the shoulder, of the 
back, of the hip joint, and of the knee, etc. 

Treatment. Absolute and entire rest is the principal point 
to be attended to in the care of sprains of whatever nature and 
wherever located, as a sprain cannot be cured without rest, no 



392 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

matter what the remedies that may be applied. If there be 
much fever and excitement about the horse, give a few drops 
of tincture of aconite root ; then thoroughly soak the part in 
Avarm water and apply, according to directions, Dimon's Spavin 
Cure, well rubbed in. Continue this at least twice every day 
until the patient is well, 

SURFEIT. 

This is a disease of the skin which makes its appearance in 
small lumps or pimples on the neck of the horse, and sometimes 
spreads over his back, loins, sides, and quarters. It is usually 
due to some fault in the diet, the surroundings of the animal, 
or to lack of proper grooming. It occurs most commonly dur- 
ing spring and fall. 

Treatment. The bowels must be opened by an active 
purgative, to be followed by a course of tonics. Give from six 
to eight drachms each of the best aloes and ginger (either in a 
ball or a drink), according to the size and condition of the ani- 
mal. If the bowels are not freely moved by this dose, repeat 
it in three days. Mares well advanced in pregnancy should 
not receive the full dose until after foaling. Yearlings may re- 
ceive one-fourth, and . two-year-olds one-half of the above dose. 
Colts can better be given castor oil in doses of from three to 
six ounces, according to age. After the bowels have been 
moved give two tablespoonsf ul of the following mixture on the 
feed twice daily : Powdered nux vomica, one-fourth pound ; ni- 
trate of potash, one-fourth pound ; sulphate d¥ soda, one pound. 
Mix. 

SPLINT. 

This is a callous or bony tumor growing on or over the 
splint-bones. To clearly understand the nature of this diffi- 
culty we should consider that the leg is composed of three 
bones, vis.^ the cannon and two splint bones. The cannon- 
bone, extending from the knee to the fetlock joint, is a long 
round bone, and at the upper end, where it unites wdth the 
bone of the knee, is marked by a high ridge running from the 
bade to the head of the bone, and another ridge at each side, 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM, 3S3 

thus presenting a double putty -like surface admitting of a back 
and forward motion but no lateral or side motion. At the back 
of the cannon-bone, and to the outer and inner edges of it, are 
situated the two splint bones. These gradually taper off to a 
point, being very thin and flat; they are somewhat thick at 
the top, but get thinner towards the point. When the splint is 
forming on these bones there is generally some lameness, but 
as it progresses the inflammation and tenderness subside and 
the lameness usually disappears. 

TreatTnent. The best remedy that I have ever tried for the 
removal of splints is Dimon's Spavin Cure, used according to 
directions. This, in my practice, has never failed to remove 
the splint without leaving any scar or trace. Splints may also 
be removed by the agency of a mild blister. 

STRAIN OF THE COFFIN JOINT. 

The coflin joint is composed of the union of the coffin-bone, 
the navicular bone, and the lower pastern bone. This joint is a 
little below the ring. 

Treatment. Give absolute and entire rest. Thoroughly 
soak the part affected with warm water ; then apply, with fric- 
tion, Dimon's Spavin Cure, according to directions given with 
each bottle, at least twice every day, and bandage the joint 
until a cure is effected. 

THRUSH. 

This disease results from inflammation of the lower surface 
of the sensitive frog, its usual secretion of horn having been 
changed, or partially changed, into pus or matter. Contrac- 
tion is apt to result from thrush. 

Treatment. Carefully remove all diseased parts and 
thoroughly cleanse the feet with hot water, to which may be 
added a solution of carbolic acid, one part to twenty of water. 
After doing this, saturate a piece of oakum or tow with a solu- 
tion made double the strength of the former, and apply it. 
Continue this treatment until all soreness and odor has ceased, 
and then you will have set up a healthy condition. It would 



394 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

be well before applying the above treatment to pack the cavity 
of the foot with meadow moss every night until you have 
cooled them off and softened them a little. 

Another remedy is to take finely powdered white vitriol, 
one part vv^ith four parts pine tar; before applying, inspect 
the frog and remove all decayed parts. Saturate tow or 
oakum with this mixture and press to the bottom of the cleft 
of the frog ; repeat about twice a week. 

I will also give two other feasible remedies, viz.: 

Lard, 5 ounces, rosin, 1 ounce, melted together over a slow 
fire. After taking off and while cooling, stir in 2 ounces fine 
calamine powder and li ounce turpentine. 

The second remedy is : 

Red precipitate, . . . 1 ounce. 

Blue vitriol, . . . . . 1 ounce. 

Burnt alum, . . . . i ounce. 

Powdered white sugar, . . 1 ounce. 

Mix, and apply daily to the affected frog. 

TUMORS. 

Horse flesh is heir to several kinds of tumors, or lumps 
under the skin, most of which are slightly movable. Some 
kinds grow to an enormous size ; and some are hard or gristly 
all through, — others only part of the way, and the center filled 
with a thick fluid ; while others have only a thin wall on the 
inside filled with fluid. 

Treatment. Either insert a seton on the lower part, or cut 
open and inject for a few times a teaspoonful of the tincture of 
iodine, to kill the walls of the cyst. 

TAIL RUBBING, OR RAT TAIL. 
An intense itching at the root of the tail on the upper side 
sometimes occurs, causing the horse to rub the part against 
anything he may find to answer the purpose until the hair is 
worn off. This itching, when caused by the eruption of the 
skin at that place, may receive the following : 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 395 

Treatment. Wash, the parts daily with castile soap and 
warm water and dress with 

Spirits of turpentine, "I 

Carbolic acid, J> equal parts. 

Linseed oil, J 

THICK WATER. 

There is really but one form of disease causing the urine to> 
become of a thick, albuminous character. It is of rare occur- 
rence in the horse although quite common in man. It is called 
Bright's disease or albuminous urine. But there are many 
other things that cause the horse's urine to become of a thick 
and changed character. For instance, a little over-feeding ; 
the use of improper food ; bad digestion ; slight cold, and many 
other trifling things not reckoned as diseases may cause this 
state. 

Treatment. For these various causes of a change in the ap- 
pearance of the water, I would not recommend strong or severe 
treatment at first, but would endeavor to rectify by giving a 
little powdered resin in the feed, and by an ounce of saltpeter 
dissolved in the drinking water. A very little of Fowler's solu- 
tion of arsenic in the drinking water, occasionally, , is also bene- 
ficial. 

THOROUGHPIN. 

An enlargement of a soft and puffy character appearing in 
the space between the hamstring and the lower end of the 
thigh bone, above the hock. It is an enlargement of one of the 
little sacks placed in the proximity of all joints and ligaments,, 
and is of the same character of wind galls. 

The enlargement may appear in but one of the spaces in 
front of the hamstring, but it generally appears in both sides. 
It is like wind galls, mainly an eye-sore, as it seldom produces, 
lameness, therefore it cannot be regarded as legal unsoundness,, 
although a mark of evidence of the horse having had rough 
usage. 

Treatment. My method is to soak the parts with water 



396 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

as hot as can be comfortably borne ; then rub tolerably dry 
and apply Dimon's Spavin Cure, according to directions, 
rubbed thoroughly into the skin. In case of inability to pro- 
cure this remedy the parts may be blistered. 

THUMPS. 

A violent beating or throbbing of the flanks is called 
thumps. It is really a palpitation of the heart, generally pro- 
duced by over-work, particularly so in hot weather. A horse 
subject to the thumps is very unreliable for service in any 
form. 

Treatment. In a slight attack, occurring from over-exer- 
tion, give a bucket of cold w^ater with a full handful of salt dis- 
solved in it. The horse should have rest and be allowed to 
stand in a cool or warm place as the case may be. If the 
attack continues give the following in drench or ball. 

Tincture of digitalis, 1 ounce ; sweet spirits nitre, 1 ounce ; 
sulphuric ether, 1 ounce ; water, 1 pint ; if for a drench : other- 
wise meal to make a ball. Repeat every three hours until re- 
lieved. 

WIND GALLS. 

These are tumors of a puffy character of variable size and 
are also located on the legs, from the fetlock to the hock or 
knee. 

Treatment. A daily application of tincture of iodine will 
sometimes remove them, but the most certain cure is to apply 
a small seton at the bottom, or puncture with a lance or sharp 
knife, and with a small syringe inject into it a teaspoonful of 
tincture of iodine. 

WORMS. 

There are several different kinds of worms found in the 
intestines of the horse ; the principal ones being the long round 
Avorms found in the small intestine, and the needle worm found 
in the large intestine. 

Pin worms are those troublesome little white ones usually 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 397 

found in and around the large intestine near the fundament, 
and are often of a very annoying nature. 

The long, round worm is from six to eight inches in length, 
resembling the common angle worm or the same worm found in 
man. 

The needle worm occupies the large bowels, sometimes in 
incredible quantities ; they are from three-fourths of an inch to 
two inches in length. They are slim and sharp pointed ; great 
numbers of them often descend into the rectum, and be- 
come very troublesome. 

Symptoms. When worms are troubling a horse much his 
coat becomes unthrifty in appearance, the hide tight and belly 
tucked up ; the appetite is greedy. Cough may sometimes be 
caused by worms, but the most reliable symptoms are a rough 
scaly appearance about the fundament, and the discharge of a 
whitish yellow mucus, which dries up and leaves sticky yellow- 
ish scales about the anus. This generally indicates the pres- 
ence of needle worms. A horse troubled with needle worms or 
pin worms will generally show signs of uneasiness, frequently 
rubbing his tail or tucking it under and switching. There 
are a great many remedies given for the destruction of these 
annoying pests ; I will mention a few of them that I consider 
most reliable. 

WORM BALL. 

Asaf oetida, . . . .2 drachms. 

Calomel, . . . . \ drachm. 

Savin, powdered, ... -J drachm. 

Oil of male fern, ... 30 drops. 

Treacle enough to make a ball. 

This should be given at night and followed next morning by 
the following purge : 

Linseed oil, .... 1 pint. 

Spirits of Turpentine, . . 3 drachms 

WORMS IN COLTS. 
Give santorimine three times a day in a little bran or oats ; 



398 HOESE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 

for young colts or yearlings give twenty grains at a time ; for 
older ones, thirty grains may be given as a dose. This medi- 
cine has but very little taste, and will readily be taken by the 
■colts in the manner prescribed. Give three or four bran 
mashes a week ; give medicine on an empty stomach as much 
as possible. 

Another worm remedy is found in the following formula: 

White hellebore, powdered, . . 1 drachm. 

Sulphate of iron, powdered, . 1 drachm. 

Linseed" meal, .... 1 ounce. 

To be given in hot bran mash at night. Eepeat in forty- 
eight hours if necessary. Still another recipe, to be relied on, 
is the following : 

Put a handful of sifted wood ashes into a quart bottle and 
fill with cider vinegar ; give as a drench. It will foam as a 
glass of soda, and should be given the moment it foams. Two 
bottles is said to cure the worst cases of worms. 

The best character of treatment for pin worms is an injec- 
tion of the following : 

Raw linseed oil, ... 2 quarts. 

Turpentine, . . . .6 ounces. 

Inject a little into the rectum every night for one week. 
Afterwards repeat if necessary. This is a very effectual 
remedy. 

WOUNDS. 

"Wounds are divided into simple, incised, contused, lacer- 
ated, punctured, and poisoned. Those followed by bleeding 
are termed bleeding wounds, and many times are quite dan- 
gerous, requiring the most prompt attention. 

The principle on which general wounds are to be treated is 
usually quite simple. If the wound is of recent occurrence and 
free from much bruising of the edges, after first cleansing it 
from dirt, hair, etc., the better way is to bring the edges 
together by stitches performed by the use of needles made for 
the purpose, and threaded with saddler's silk. After sewing 



HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 399 

up the wound keep it well bathed with liniment, wormwood, 
arnica, etc. Both of these — wormwood and arnica — are very 
good to take out the soreness of a fresh wound. 

There (jan be no rule laid down for the treatment of all 
Wounds, but in all cases some judgment and much good com- 
inon sense will be required to successfully cope with them. 

THE OLD COUNTRY CIRCUS. 

How dear to my heart is the show of my childhood. 

The old country circus my boyhood days knew ; 
In these days of three rings, of hippodromes, railroads, 

How fond recollections present thee to view. 
Tor weeks, while the posters on fences and church sheds 

Portrayed to my young eyes the scenes that should be, 
No soft thrill of love, no throb of ambition, 

Has since equaled the bliss I gained dreaming of thee I 
The old country circus, the shabby old circus, 
The wand'ring old circus my boyhood days knew. 

How faithful I worked in the ways that presented, 

To gain the few pennies my ticket should buy ! 
No toil was so sweetened — no reward so stupendous — 

No miser e'er cherished his hoard as did L 
How fair shone the sun on the glad day appointed ! 

How rife with strange bustle the sleepy old town ! 
And when o'er the hill came the rumble of wagons. 

The bound of my heart said : " The circus has come." 
The old country circus, the oi^ faded circus, 
The one-horse old circus my boyhood days knew. 

What pageant of now can that "grand entry" compass, 

What wit of to-day like those jokes of the ring ? 
And those divans of pine boards — such ease Oriental ! 

No reserved, cushioned chairs of the present can bring. 
One elephant only, satisfying, majestic, 

Not Jumbo, nor sacred, neither painted nor white — 
Take them all, the whole dizzy, triple-bill programme. 

For a single return of that old-time delight, 
The old country circus, the tawdry old circus, 
The perfect old circus my boyhood days knew. 

— Scrap Booh. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



Gentlemen horsemen — To become famous — Castration — Conditioning — To 
administer chloroform — Significance of the bay color — Docking — 
Warranty — Runaway, to stop — Trotting standard — Pacing standard 
— Rules for laying out tracks — Rules of admission to registry. 

MEN cannot become famous unless they do something 
that is worthy of fame; and they cannot do things 
worthy of fame unless they have worthy hearts. That is her 
temple at last — and it is not glass, nay, not even diamond. 
Fame is the product of man's nature as much as the life he 
lives, the acts he does, the children he begets. It matters not 
whether he moulds and makes the greatest horse, or chisels out 
the greatest picture, or writes the greatest books, or lives the 
most heroic life — none of these are the children of chance, 
the handmaids of hazard. They come from within, from, 
deeper depths and gj:'ander sweeps. 

So firmly do I believe these things, that I do not hesitate 
to say that no narrow, small, and contracted soul will ever 
breed and perfect a world-renowned horse. Such a man might 
accidentally mate the sire ai^l dam, but he could no more 
bring the offspring down the road of flinty doubt and uncer- 
tainty, the dusty road of toil and work and perseverance, the 
quiet, shady one of honorable dealings and unswerving integ- 
rity, the slippery one of jobs and tricks and littleness, through 
all of these — for through all of these, horses, like great men, 
have to pass unscathed — to the gilded avenues of fame, than 
he could turn a paste-diamond gambler into the unpolished 
genuineness of an Abraham Lincoln. 

And how well do great men and great horses fit ! Imagine 
Bucephalus belonging to anyone but the conqueror of worlds. 

(400) 



MISCELLANEOUS. 401 

Picture Alix the property of Kneebs and just in from a sum- 
mer outing through Europe. 

There has always been a mutualness, second nature, so to 
speak, between Morris Jones and his peerless mare. 

It may be my fancy, my romance ; but I don't believe 
horsemen who know them both will say so when I pronounce 
the attributes of their similarity. At least, I cannot separate 
them. Gentleness, kindness, genuineness, honesty, simplicity, 
nerve ; a humanity that would make a human of a friendless 
dog ; a courage that " I fight for right through the heats of 
three days and the deaths of nine battles, though the devil and 
his angels may be on the other side." 

MAY STILL BE GENTLEMEN. 
There are a great many people who think that a horseman, 
and especially a driver, is not fit to go into good society. 
Now, I am of the opinion that a man can be a horse owner or 
a driver and be just as much of a gentleman as he could if his 
vocation were that of a bank cashier or manager of a business 
house. I have in mind a young man I saw last summer at the 
races with a small string of horses. When I came to his stable 
everything was quiet, and I heard several times that a lady 
need not be afraid to go and look at his horses. There was no 
swearing, no coarse, vulgar language of any kind. There is 
nothing in the horse business that need, of necessity, degrade 
men. Those that will be blackguards would be such under any 
circumstances and in any calling in life, 

CASTRATION. 

This operation has been performed on the horse from his 
earliest domestication ; it is done for the purpose of enhancing 
the usefulness of the male by subduing his spirit and rendering 
him as mild and docile as is the female. Immemorial custom 
has sanctioned this operation. 

As to the best age of the colt to be castrated, many opinions 
are formed. My own idea is, as a rule, from about one and a 
half to two years is the best age. There are several different 

26 



402 



MISCELLANEOUS. 




modes of performing the operation of castration ; and I think 
in my long practice I have tried them all — from the old- 
fashioned way of clamping, burning, and searing with hot 
irons made for the purpose, to the French method of twisting 
off the testicle cords with an instrument manufactured especial- 
ly for that purpose and called the ecrascur. 

Of all the operations in vogue I prefer the following, what 
used to be known in New England as the Stanton method. 
This operation is as follows : 

First make a pair of clamps five or six inches in length 
from a piece of elder- wood of suitable size, by splitting open 

and removing the pith ; 
then bevel off the ends 
for about half an inch ; 
cut a notch or groove 
around them. Now fill 
the space formerly occu- 
pied by the pith with 
tallow mixed with red 
precipitate and corrosive sublimate in equal parts — the last 
two ingredients in equal parts ; the tallow being the main in- 
gredient. 

The two pieces of wood are then placed together just as 
they formerly belonged, and a waxed cord tied around one end 

in the groove, so as to 
form a sort of hinge. 
The clamp thus pre- 
pared is ready for use. 

In case elder is not at 
hand or easy to obtain, 
other soft wood may be used, if of suitable size, and the center 
grooved out. 

When all is ready, cast the colt or horse and draw his hind 
legs well forward, and firmly secure all the legs and turn the 
animal on his back, and proceed to cut through the scrotum 
with a very keen blade, and after the testicle is laid bare then 



OHDINAilY CLAMP. 




INTERNAL FACE OF CLAMPS. 




MISCELLANEOUS. 



403 



pull it out far enough to place the clamp well up on the testicle 
cord ; then firmly secure with waxed string ; then cut the 
testicle loose from the cord. 

After the clamps have remained on from twenty-four to 
thirty-six hours they may be removed by cutting through the 
waxed cords at the ends, when they will readily drop off of 
themselves. 

CONDITIONING A HORSE. 

We many times find horses ailing from no particular disease, 
but are generally out of condition and need toning up. In 
such cases I have found satisfactory beneficial results from the 
following treatment, called Dimon's Condition Powders, and 
which anyone can make : 





Elecampane root, powdered, 




6oz. 




Fenugreek, . 




4 " 




Gentian root, powdered, 






4 " 




Rosin, powdered, . 






8 " 




Jamaica ginger. 






8 " 




Sulphur, 






8 " 




Cayenne pepper. 






3 " 




Black antimony, 






4 " 




Anise seed, , 






4 " 




Saltpetre, pulverized. 






6 " 




Fine salt, 






1 pound. 




Hard wood ashes, sifted, 






2 quarts. 




Mix thoroughly and give tablespoonful once a day in feed 


best 


Any quantity can be made in sar 


ne prof 


)ortions 





■ cut feed 



Fowler's Solution of Arsenic, one teaspoonful occasionally 
in a bucket of drinking water, is good as a blood purifier, and 
to give the horse a bright and sprightly appearance. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF CHLOROFORM. 
The use of chloroform to produce insensibility to pain is 
often a great aid to the operator on the horse, who, without it, 
works under great difficulties owing to the nervous twitch the 
poor animal gives at each touch of the knife or needle. Under 
chloroform, however, he lies as if dead ; and so long as its 



404 MISCELLANEOUS. 

effects continue the most elaborate dissection may be conducted 
with comparative ease and safety. 

There is some danger, however, of overdoing this powerful 
agent, but the risk is not so great as is generally supposed ; 
with ordinary care injurious effects are seldom produced. 

The best and most sensible apparatus for the purpose of ad- 
ministering chloroform is a common wire muzzle, to the upper 
edge of which a strip of leather six inches wide is stitched, and 
so arranged as to be buckled around the upper part of the jaws. 
This insures that all the air inspired shall pass through the 
wires, and by covering them with a cap of very loose flannel, 
in which a few holes are cut to facilitate respiration, the muzzle 
may be made ready for use. 

The horse is first cast, after which the above apparatus is 
put on and buckled around the jaw, when, on sprinkling the 
chloroform over the cap of the flannel, it may be applied or 
removed in an instant, and the amount of anaesthesia adminis- 
tered regulated accordingly. Without some guard such as the 
wire affords, the chloroform runs over the nostrils and lips and 
blisters them ; but when used as above such an accident can 
only occur from over-saturating the flannel. The necessary 
amount of chloroform must be used, but when it is once found 
that the prick of a pin is borne without flinching, the flannel 
may be removed and the operation commenced at' once, taking 
care to have an assistant ready to put it on again immediately 
the patient shows signs of returning to consciousness or sensi- 
bility to pain. Six or eight ounces of chloroform must be pro- 
vided, as the quantity required is somewhat uncertain ; the 
average dose is about three or four ounces. 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BAY COLOR. 

Phoinic was an Egyptian title of honor, from which the 

Greek and Latin forms of Phoenix and Punicus were derived. 

It was first given to persons of great stature (Anak with an 

Egyptian prefix). Thence it was applied to people of power 



MISCELLANEOUS. 405 

and eminence. The Cuthites or Royal Shepherds in Egypt 
were so called. The title Phoenices was given to the Egyptian 
colonists of Tyre. They did not call their colony so them- 
selves but it was called so by outsiders, — the Greeks ; hence 
it was known as Phoenicia, so long regarded as having played 
such an influential part in early civilization. 

The appellation may be traced from Babylon to Arabia 
and Egypt thence through the Egyptian colonies to the west. 
As we are thus informed, it was an individual title for a lord or 
prince, and was conferred on many things primal or noble. 
Hence the red or scarlet color appropriated by great and 
honorable persons was termed phoenic. 

Phoenix was a color among horses ; they were styled 
phoenices and phoeniciati. This was derived from the color of 
the palm tree. (Pliny informs us that the noblest palm among 
Babylonians were called royal palms, and were emblems of 
royalty.) 

Upon this account they also had the name of spadices, — 
synonymous with the other, and Homer, describing the horses 
of Diomedes, tells us that one was phoenix, or of a bright palm 
color, with a white spot on his forehead like a moon. This 
horse was of a bright palm color, which is a bright red. Such 
horses are now called bays. This word is of similar origin. 
The branch of a palm tree was called " bai " in Egypt. Baia 
is used by St. John for palm bearers, the palm being used on 
the most solemn occasions by the Jews. The Greeks borrowed 
the word from Egyptians, and the Latins have the same word 
in the form Badius, used by Varro in regard to horses. 

The palm tree was regarded as immortal, or, if it did die as 
reviving again. The Egyptians gave the name of bai to the 
soul. The legend of the phoenix bird as an emblem of immor- 
tality is evidently derived from this regard for the palm main- 
tained by both sacred and profane people. To-day the belief 
may be perpetuated in Palm Sunday and Ash Wednesday. 



406 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



DOCKING. 

As to docking or robbing the horse of the beautiful and 
useful appendage (or any part thereof), the tail, I consider a 
most inhuman and brutal practice. And not only is it inhu- 




MANNER OF DOCKING. 



CHAPPIE OUT FOR A RIDE. 




SNOB CREAtiNG A SENSATION. 



man, but such treatment disfigures and injures the appearance 
and beauty of the animal in the eyes of every true horseman. 

It was a fad of " ye olden tyme," I know ; but I did think 
that the American people of this day of progress, enlightenment, 
and, I had hoped, refinement, had forever done away with such 
inhuman and absurd practices. Yet the foolish fancy seems to 
be revived, and because Snob and Chappie have their horses 



MISCELLANEOUS. 407 

mutilated others think that to be in the swim they must follow 
suit. Indeed, we learn that all the horses in the Presidential 
stables at Washington have their tails docked or banged. 
Since the days of Thomas Jefferson the White House horses 
have carried their beautiful flowing manes and tails undis- 
turbed. It is a, regrettable fact that modern society requires 
this barbarous usage, and it is more to be regretted that 
carriages of state are now incomplete without the disfigure- 
ment of one of nature's most beautiful gifts to horses. 

That this practice will not be of long continuation is 
evinced by the fact that the Humane Society for the Pre- 
vention of Cruelty to Animals have taken the matter into 
their hands. Two interesting cases were recently tried in the 
District Court of El Paso County, Colorado. The Humane 
Society appeared as plaintiff and forced both the owners of the 
horses and the veterinary surgeons who performed the opera- 
tions to appear as defendants. In both suits the plaintiff came 
off victorious. 

WARRANTY. 

The written warranty of a horse is a form of certificate 
given on the purchase or payment, setting forth the soundness 
or kindness — or both — of the animal under consideration. 

There are so many hidden things about the structure of the 
horse that it must be a hazardous undertaking to warrant any 
horse perfectly sound in all respects ; for while he may appear 
to be so, as far as any one can see — from external appearances 
— he may be possessed of some internal derangement of which 
he may die in less than a week. Few persons will bring an 
action against the seller for unsoundness, as it is difficult to 
maintain such an action and get a verdict upon it ; con- 
sequently, the best forms of warranty amount to but little in 
the eyes of the law. 

TO STOP A RUNAWAY HORSE. 
A thin cord with a running noose around the horse's neck 
is much used in Kussia. 



408 MISCELLANEOUS. 

" At Rome," says a writer in the American Cultivator, " I 
saw in the Corso a phaeton with two spirited horses bolt. They 
were driven by a lady and I expected to see instant destruction, 
but the lad}?- coolly grasped a thin cord, and within thirty yards 
the horses came to a full stop." 

When a horse bolts he always takes the bit in his teeth and 
the skill of the driver is useless. The moment the pressure 
comes on his windpipe the horse knows he has met his master. 

TROTTING STANDARD. 

First. Any trotting stallion that has a record of two min- 
utes and thirty seconds (2.30) or better, provided any of his get 
has a record of 2.35, trotting, or better, or provided his sire or 
dam is already a standard trotting animal. 

Second. Any mare or gelding that has a trotting record of 
2.30, or better, whose sire or dam is standard. 

Third. Any horse that is the sire of two trotters with 
records of 2.30, or better. 

Fourth. Any horse that is the sire of one trotter %vith a 
record of 2.30, or better, provided he has either of the follow- 
ing additional qualifications : 1. A trotting record of 2.35, or 
better. 2. Is the sire of two other animals with trotting 
records of 2.35, or better. 3. Has a sire or dam that is already 
a standard trotting animal. 

Fifth. Any mare that has produced a trotter with a record 
of 2,30. 

Sixth. The progeny of a standard trotting horse when out 
of a standard trotting mare. 

Seventh. Any mare whose sire is a standard trotting 
horse, and whose dam and second dam are by a standard 
trotting horse. 

PACING STANDARD. 

First. Any pacing stallion that has a record of two min- 
utes and twenty-five seconds (2.25), or better, provided any of 
his get has a record of 2.30, pacing, or better ; or, provided his 
sire or dam is already a standard pacing animal. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 409 

Second. Any mare or gelding that has a pacing record of 
2.25, or better, whose sire or dam is standard. 

Third. Any horse that is the sire of two pacers with 
records of 2.25, or better. 

Fourth. Any horse that is the sire of one pacer with a 
record of 2.25, or better; provided he has either of the follow- 
ing additional qualifications : 1. A pacing record of 2.30, or 
better. 2. Is the sire of two other animals with pacing 
records of 2.30. 3. Has a sire or dam that is already a standard 
pacing animal. 

Fifth. Any mare that has produced a pacer with a record 
of 2.25, or better. 

Sixth. Any mare Avhose sire is a standard pacing horse, 
and whose dam and second dam are by a standard pacing 
horse. 

Seventh. The progeny of a standard pacing horse when 
out of a standard pacing mare. 

Eighth. The progeny of a standard trotting horse out of 
a standard pacing mare, or of a standard pacing horse out of a 
standard trotting mare. 

RULES FOR LAYING OUT TRACKS. 

Half -Mile Tracks The question often arises with owners 
of stock farms as to the correct method of laying out a track 
for the training and development of their stock. To such the 
following directions will fill the bill. 

For a half-mile track lay off or draw two parallel lines, 600 
feet long and 452 feet and 5 inches apart. Then, half way be- 
tween the two extreme ends of the parallel line, drive a stake ; 
then loop a wire around the stake just long enough to reach to 
either side ; then make a true curve with the wke from the 
stake, thus describing your half circle for the turns, and throw 
them up one inch to the foot. Three feet from the line will 
measure a full half mile. 

To Lay Out a Full Mile TracJc, select a level field of forty- 
two acres, draw through the center a straight line of 440 yards 



410 MISCELLANEOUS. 

(a quarter of a mile). On each side of this line, and an exact 
distance of 140 yards and 2 inches from it, draw parallel lines 
of equal length, so that the space bet\Yeen the two outer lines 
will be 280 yards and 4 inches. This being done a stake should 
be driven at each end of the center line ; a cord should be 
fastened thereto. 

Extend the cord at right angles for 140 yards 2 inches, until 
it touches the end of the outer line, and then describe with the 
extreme end of the cord an outer curve or semicircle between 
the ends of the two outer lines. 

There will be a continuous outer line, being exactly a mile 
(1,760 yards) in length, and requiring an enclosure of forty-six 
acres of ground. From this outer line or track set the fence of 
the course three feet in on the straight sides and curves. In 
this way an exact mile, as near as may be, is preserved for 
the actual foot track of all the horses. 

The first distance post is sixty yards from the judges' stand, 
the second at 240 yards, and the stand is sixty yards before en- 
tering the turn. 

The track should be graded around the turn like the track 
of a railroad or circus, the outer portion the highest, so that a 
horse can extend himself at full speed. 



CHAPTEE XLYIII. 

The world's fastest records to the close of 1894 — Fastest records all ways 
going — Breeding of fastest horses — Tables of fastest records. 

TROTTING, fastest yearling (2.23): Abdell, br. c, by 
Advertiser ; dam, Beautiful Bells, by the Moor. 

Fastest two-year-old (2.101) : Arion, b. c, by Electioneer ; 
dam, Manette, by Nutwood. 

Fastest three-year-old (2.08f) : Fantasy, b. f., by Chimes ; 
dam, Honora, by Almonarch. 

Fastest four-year-old (2.05J) : Directum, b. s., by Director ; 
dam, Stemwinder, by Venture. 

Fastest five-year-old (2.06|) : Ralph Wilkes, ch. s., by Red 
Wilkes ; dam, Mary Mays, by Mambrino Patchen. 

World's fastest record (2.031) ; Alix, b. m., by Patronage ; 
dam, Atlanta, by Attorney. 

World's stallion record (2.05i) : Directum, blk, s., by Direc- 
tor ; dam Stemwinder, by Yenture. 

Fastest race in straight heats, 2.06, 2.06i, 2.05 : Alix, b. m., 
by Patronage ; dam, Atlanta, by Attorney. 

Fastest team record (2.12i) : Honest George, b. g., by 
Albert; dam, Fanny Crowder, and Belle Hamlin, b. m., by 
Almont, Jr.; dam. Toy, by Hamlin's Patchen. 

Fastest trotter with running mate, race record, 2.08^ : 
Frank, b. g., by Abraham; dam. Root, by Green Mountain 
Boy. 

Fastest two miles in harness, 4.32 : Greenlander, blk, s., by 
Princeps ; dam, Juno, by Rysdyk's Hambletonian. 

Fastest three miles in harness, 6.55|- : ISTightingale, ch. m., 
by Mambrino King ; dam, Minegna Maid, by Wood's Hamble- 
tonian. 

Fastest four miles in harness, 10.12 : Senator L., b. s., by 

(411) 



412 RECORDS FOR PACERS. 

Dexter Prince ; dam, Fanny Bayswater (thoroughbred), by 
Bayswater. 

Fastest five miles in harness, 12.30f : Bishop Hero, g., by 
Bishop; dam, Lida Kendall, by Hero of Thorndale. 

As an object lesson to the breeders of American Trotters, 
the following facts may be gathered from the above records : 

Alix, 2,03|, the world's fastest trotting record. 

Abdell, 2.23, the fastest yearling record. 

Arion, who holds the world's two-year-old record of 2.101 

Fantasy, 2.08f , the world's record for three-year-old. 

Directum, 2.05^^, the world's record for four-year-old. 

Ralph "Wilkes, 2.06f , the world's record for five-year-old. 

Directum, the world's stallion record, all trace in a direct 
line, and some quite close up, to that great progenitor of speed, 
Hysdyk's Hambletonian ; and the list might be extended. 

Kitty Bayard holds the fastest race record on half-mile 
track, 2.12i. 

THE WORLD'S RECORDS FOR PACERS. 

Fastest yearling (2.20|) : Belle Acton, by Shadeland On- 
ward. 

Fastest two-year-old (2.07|): Directly, blk. c, by Direct; 
dam, Mabel of IS'aubic. 

Fastest three-year-old (2.10) : "Whirligig, bro. f ., by "WUks ; 
■dam, Minnie Barrington, by Naban. 

Fastest four-year-old (2.0'1) : Online, b. c, by Shadeland 
Onward ; dam, Angeline, by Chester Chief. 

"World's Record, 2.01i : Robert J., b. g., by Hartford ; dam, 
Oeraldine, by Jay Gould. 

"World's stallion record (pacing), 2.03f : John R. Gentry, 
b. s., by Ashland "Wilkes ; dam. Dame "Wood, by "Wedgewood. 

Fastest race in straight heats (pacing), 2.03f, 2.02^, and 
2.041 : Robert J., b. g., by Hartford ; dam, Geraldine, by Jaj 
Gould. 

Fastest two miles in harness, pacing, 4.4Yf : Defiance, b. g., 
by Chieftain, and Longfellow, ch. g., by Red Bill, dead heat. 



RECORDS FOR RUNNERS. 413 

Fastest three miles in harness, 7.33J : Joe Jefferson, b. s., b}'- 
Thomas Jefferson. 

Best four miles in harness, 10.10 : Joe Jefferson, b. s., hy 
Thomas Jefferson. 

Best five miles in harness : Lady St. Clair, by St. Clair. 

Fastest pacer with running mate, 1.58i : Flying Jib, b. g.,, 
by Algona ; dam, Middletown Mare, by Middletown. 

Team record, pacing, 2.18^ : Daisy D., b. m., by Black Star,, 
and Silver tail, g. g., by Tempest, Jr. 

FASTEST RECORDS FOR RUNNERS TO JANUARY 1, 1895. 

1^ mile, Bob Wade, O.SIJ^ 

% mile, Fashion, 0.34 

3^ mile, 122 lbs., Geraldine (straight course), . . . . . 0.46 

3^ mile, 122 lbs., April Fool (straight course), 0.47 

41^ furlongs, 115 lbs., Geraldine, 0.54 

5^ mile. 111 lbs., Maid Marian, OM^ 

5% furlongs, Tormentor, 1.03 

3^ mile (straight), D . 1.09 

63^ furlongs, Geraldine, 1.19^' 

^ mile, Bella B. (straight), 1.35>£ 

1 mile, Salvator (straight), 1.35i^ 

11^ mile, Tristam, I.5I14 

13^ mile. Banquet (straight), 2M%. 

1% mile, Sabine, . . 2.183^: 

13^ mile, Lamplighter, 2.32%' 

1% mile, Hotspur, 3.0034 

1^ mile, 90 lbs., Enigma, . . 2.20 

2miles, UOlbs., TenBroeck 3.373^ 

23^ miles, 99 lbs., Joe Murphy, . 3.42 

2li miles, 114 lbs., Springback 3.563^ 

234 miles, 114 lbs.. Preakness, . . 3.5634 

23^ miles, 104 lbs., Aristides, 4273^ 

3 miles, Drake Carter, 5.24 

4 mUes, 104 lbs., TenBroeck, '1.15,% 



414 PRESENT AND PAST RECORDS OF TROTTERS. 

A LIST OF 2.10 TROTTERS, PRESENT AND PAST RECORDS. 
The following table shows the past and present records of 
the 2.10 trotters : 

Table I. 
Showing all horses that have trotted in 2.10 or better; arranged according 
to records to date. 

Alix, b. ra. (6), by Patronage, 4,143, 2.03?^ 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), by Happy Medium, 400, . . . .2.04 

Directum, blk. h. (4), by Director, 1,989, 2 051^ 

Eantasy, b. m. (4), by Chimes, 5,348, 2 06 

Ralph Wilkes, ch. h. (5), by Red Wilkes, 1,749, 2.063^ 

j Stamboul, br. h. (10), by Sultan, 1,513, 2.073^ 

Arion, b. h. (4), by Electioneer, 125, 2 07^^ 

Kremlin, b. h. (5), by Lord Russell, 4,677, . . .r . . . 2.075^ 

HylandT., b. g. (—), by Ledger, Jr., 2.07^ 

Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), by Alcyone, 732, 2.08 

Azote, b. g. (7), by Whips, 13,407, 2 08i^ 

Pixley, b. m. (8), by Jay Gould, 197, 2 08M 

SSunol, b. m. (5), by Electioneer, 125, 2.08M 

Trevillian, b. h. (5), by Young Jim,. 2,009, 2.083^ 

Hulda, b. m. (5), by Guy Wilkes, 2,867, 2.08i^ 

Phcebe AVilkes, b. m. (9), by Hambletonian Wilkes, 1,679, ... 2 083^ 

Belle Vera, b. m. (5), by Vatican, 11,318, 2.083^ 

Lord Clinton, blk. g. (9), by Denning Allen, . . . . .2 08?^ 

Maud S., ch. m. (11), by Harold, 413, . 2.08-3^ 

Palo Alto, b. h. (9), by Electioneer, 125, ...... 2.08,3^ 

Nelson, b. h. (11), by Young Rolfe, 3,517, 2.09 

Allerton, b. h. (5), by Jay Bird, 5,060, 2.09)^ 

Magnolia, b. m. (7), by Haw Patch, 1,140, 2.09^4 

Dan Cupid, b. h. (6), by Barney Wilkes, 7,433, 3 093^ 

Strader H., b. h. (8), by Squire Talmage, 668, 2.093^ 

Ellard, b. h. (6), by Charley Wilkes, 3,563, 2 09^^ 

i Guy, blk. g. (13), by Kentucky Prince, 2,470, 2.095^ 

Harietta, br. m. (5), by Alcyone, 732, 2.09^ 

Jay -Eye-See, blk. g. (6), by Dictator, 113, 2.10 

Little Albert, ch. g. (9), by Albert W., 11,333, 2 10 

Moquette, b. h. (4), by Wilton, 5,982, 2.10 

Pamlico, b. h. (9), by Meander, 1,311, 2.10 

Walter E , b. g. (9), by Patchen Mambrino, 11,835, 2.10 

f Rejected performance. 



PEESENT AND PAST RECORDS OF TROTTERS. 415 

Table II. 

Showing all heats trotted against time in 3.10 or better, arranged (1) in 
regard to time made, and (2) chronologically. 
2.0334: — 

Alix, b. m. (6), Galesburg, 111., Sept. 19, 1894. 

2.04 — 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 38, 1893. 
Alix, b. m. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 3, 1894. 

2.04K- 

*Alix, b. m. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 14, 1894. 
Alix, b. m. (6), Columbus, O., Sept. 37, 1894. 
2.043^ — 

*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (7), Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 7, 1893. 
Alix, b. m. (6), Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 6, 1894. 

2.05 — 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 17, 1892. 
2.051^ — 

Nancy Hanks, br. m, (6), Independence, la., Aug. 3, 1893. 
*Alix, b. m. (6), Chicago, 111., Aug. 31, 1894. 
Alix, b. m. (6), Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 81, 1894. 

2.06 — 

*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (7), Chicago, 111., Sept. 13, 1898. 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), New Albany, Ind., Oct. 6, 1893. 

Fantasy, b. m. (4), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 18, 1894. 
2 06M — 

*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (7), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 38, 1893. 

2.06K- 

*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), Sedalia, Mo., Oct. 27, 1893. 

Directum, blk. h. (4), Chicago, 111., Sept. 15, 1893. 
*Alix, b. m. (6), Chillicothe, O., Oct. 6, 1894. 
2.063^ — 

*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (7), New York, N. Y., Aug. 31, 1893. 
*Directum, blk. h. (4), St. Joseph, Mo , Sept. 23, 1893. 
Ralph Wilkes, ch. h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 19, 1894. 

2.07 — 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), Hamline, Minn., Sept. 7, 1893. 
Directum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1893. 
Fantasy, b. m. (4), Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 31, 1894. 
2.071^ — 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), Chicago, 111., Aug. 17, 1893. 
Directum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1893. 
Fantasy, b. m (4), Rochester, N. Y., Aug. 6, 1894. 



■ Losing performance. 



416 PRESENT AND PAST RECORDS OF TROTTERS. 

*Alix, b. m. (6), Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 6, 1894. 
2.071^- 

*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), St. Joseph, Mo., Sept. 16, 1893. 
fStambouI, br. h. (10), Stockton, Cal., Nov. 23, 1892. 
*Directum, blk. h. (4), Evansville, Ind., Oct. 6, 1893. 
*Alix, b. m. (6), Chicago, 111., Aug. 25, 1894. 
2.07^^ — 

Kremlin, b. h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1892. 

Arion, b. h. (4), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 11, 1893. 
2.08 — 

Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), Independence, la., Sept. 1, 1892. 
*Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), Chillicothe, O., Oct. 7, 1892. 
fStamboul, br. h. (10), Stockton, Cal., Nov. 5, 1892. 
*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (7), Springfield, Mass., Aug. 25, 1893. 

Directum, blk. h, (4), Hartford, Conn., Nov. 9, 1893. 
*Fantasy, b. m. (4), Chicago, 111., Aug. 25, 1894. 

2.08M — 

Sunol, b. m. (5), Stockton, Cal., Oct. 20, 1891. 

Kremlin, br. h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 21, 1892. 
fKremlin, br. h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 21, 1892. 
*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (7), Boston, Mass., Aug. 21, 1893. 
*Arion, b. h. (4), Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 25, 1893. 

Ralph Wilkes, ch. h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 17, 1894. 

2.08K- 

fStamboul, br. h. (10), Stockton, Cal., Oct. 27, 1893. 
Directum, blk. h. (5), Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1894. 
*Alix, b. m. (6), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 10, 1894. 
Ralph Wilkes, ch, h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 17, 1894. 
2.083^ — 

Maud S., ch. m. (11), Cleveland, 0., July 30, 1885. 
Palo Alto, b. h. (9), Stockton, Cal., Oct. 17, 1891. 
*Arion, b. h. (4), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 17, 1893. 
*Alix, b. m. (6), Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 7, 1894. 
2.09- 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (5), Richmond, Ind., Sept. 30, 1891. 
Nancy HaAks, br. m. (6), Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 11, 1893. 
*Kremlin, br. h. (5), Montgomery, Ala., Nov. 29, 1892. 
*Kremlin, br. h. (5), Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 1, 1892. 
Nelson, b. h. (11), Portland, Me:, Aug. 12, 1893. 
Fantasy, b. m. (4), Saginaw, Mich., July 14, 1894. 
2.09K — 

Maud S., ch. m. (10), Lexington, Ky., Nov. 11, 1884. 



'Losing performance. f Rejected performance. 



PRESENT AND PAST RECORDS OF TROTTERS. 41? 

Allerton, br. h. (5), Independence, la., Sept. 19, 1891. 
*Allerton, br. h (5), Independence, la., Sept. 21, 1891. 

Nancy Hanks, br. m. (5), Cambridge City, Ind., Sept. 24, 1891. 
fStamboul, br h (10), Stockton, Cal., Nov. 19, 1892. 

Fantasy, b. m. (4), Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1894. 

2 m% — 

Allerton, br. h. (5), Independence, la., Sept. 25, 1891. 

Palo Alto, b. h (9), Stockton, Cal , Nov. 4, 1891. 
*Nancy Hanks, br. m. (6), Chicago, 111., Aug. 20, 1893. 
*Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), St. Joseph, Mo., Sept 16, 1893. 
fStamboul, br. h. (10), Stockton, ( al., Nov. 17, 1893. 
*Belle Vara, br. m (6), Chicago, 111., Sept 16, 1893 

Kalph Wilkes, ch. h. (5), Boston, Mass., Sept. 27, 1894. 
2.093^ — 

MaudS., ch. m. (10), Cleveland, O., Aug. 2, 1884 
*Palo Alto, b. h. (9), Stockton. Cal , Nov. 10, 1891. 
fGuy, blk. g. (13), Detroit, Mich.. July 21, 1891. 
*Stamboul, br. h. (11), Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 25, 1893. 

Directum, blk. h. (5), Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1894. 
2.10 — 

Jay -Eye-See, blk. g., Providence, R I., Aug. 1, 1884. 

Allerton, br. h. (5), Independence, la., Sept. 4, 1891. 
*Allerton, br. h. (5). Independence, la , Sept 9, 1891. 

Nelson, b. h. (9), Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 17, 1891. 

Sunol, b. m. (5), Stockton, Cal., Oct 13, 1891. 

Palo Alto, b. h. (9), Stockton, Cal , Oct 27, 1891. 

Moquette, b. h. (4), Richmond, Ind., Sept. 15, 1893. 

Alix, b. m. (4), Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 8, 1892. 

Fantasy, b. m. (4), Hamilton, Ont., July 3, 1894. 

Directum, blk. h. (5), Chicago, 111 , Aug. 23, 1894. 

Table III. 

Showing all horses that have trotted heats in races in 2.10 or better, ar- 
ranged (1) in regard to time made, and (2) chronologically. 
2.051^ — 

Directum, blk. h. (4), Nashville. Tenn., Oct. 18, 1893 (third heat). 

Alix, b. m. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 17, 1394 (third heat). 
2.06 — 

Alix, "b. m. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 17, 1894 (first heat). 
2.O614 — 

Alix, b. m. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 17, 1894 (second heat). 



* Losing performance. f Rejected performance 

27 



418 TABLE OF TROTTERS. 

2.073^ — 

Alix, b. m. (5), Chicago, III, Sept. 14, 1893 (first heat). 
fDirectura, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1893 (second heat). 
Ryland T., b. g , Cleveland, O., July 26, 1894 (second beat). 
Alix, b. m. (6), Boston, Mass., Oct. 20, 1894 (third heat). 

2.08 — 

Directum,' blk. h. (4), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 11, 1898 (third heat), 
f Directum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Nov. 1, 1893 (third heat). 

AHx, b. m. (6), Cleveland, O., July 26, 1894 (first heat). 
2.08i- — 

Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), Evansville, Ind., Sept. 29, 1892 (third heat). 

Pixley, b. m. (8), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 11, 1893 (third heat.) 

Ahx, b. m. (6), Cleveland, O., July 26, 1894. 

Ryland T., b. g., Cleveland, O., July 26, 1894 (first heat). 

Azote, b. g. (7), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 11, 1894 (third heat). 

Directum, blk. h (5), Portland, Me., Oct. 6, 1894 (third heat). 

Trevillian, b. h. (5), Nashville, Tenh., Oct. 16, 1894 (second heat). 
2 081^- 

Hulda, b. m. (5). Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1892 (third heat). 

Directum, blk. h. (4), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 11, 1893 (third heat.) 

Pho3be Wilkes, b. m. (9), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 20, 1894 (first heat). 
2.083^ — 

Belle Vara, b. m. (5), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 30, 1892 (first heat). 

Fantasy, b. m. (3), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 17, 1893 (second heat). 
fDirectum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1893 (third heat). 

Ryland T., b. g., Cleveland, O., July 26, 1894 (third heat). 

Alix, b. m. (6), Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 6, 1894 (second heat). 

Lord Chnton, blk. g. (9), Lansing, Mich., Aug. 24, 1894 (first heat). 

Azote, b. g. (7), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 8, 1894 (first heat). 

Ryland T., b. g., Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 17, 1894 (second heat). 

2.09 — 

Lord Clinton, blk g. (9), Detroit, Mich., July 19, 1894 (first heat). 
Alix, b. m. (6), Boston, Mass., Oct. 20, 1894 (first heat). , 
2.091-4' — 

Directum, blk. h. (4), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 11, 1893 (first heat) 
Lord Clinton, blk. g. (9), Lansing, Mich., Aug. 24, 1894 (third heat). 
Azote, b. g. (7), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 11, 1894 (third heat). 
Magnolia, b. m. (7), Tiffin, O., Sept. 21, 1894 (third heat). 
Phoebe Wilkes, b m. (9), Chillicothe, O., Oct. 3, 1894 (third heat). 
Azote, b. g. (7), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 8, 1894 (second heat). 
Azote, b. g. (7), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 8, 1894 (third heat). 



f Rejected performance. 



TABLE OF PACERS. 419 

2.09K- 

Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), Independence, la., Aug. 26, 1893 (third heat). 
Directum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Sept. 3, 1893 (tliird heat). 
Alix, b. m. (6), Cleveland, O., July 36, 1894 (third heat). 
Strader H, b. h. (8), Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 7, 1894 (first heat.) 
Azote, b. g. (7), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 15, 1894 (fourth heat). 
Dan Cupid, b. h. (6), Chillicothe, O., Oct. 3, 1894 (second heat). 
Phojbe Wilkes, b. m. (9), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 20, 1894 (second heat). 

Alix, b, m. (5), Columbus, O., Aug. 24, 1893 (fifth heat). 
Directum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Aug. 80, 1893 (fifth heat). 
Pixley, b. m. (8), Chicago, 111., Sept. 15, 1893 (sixth heat). 
Alix, b. m. (5), Chicago, 111., Sept. 16, 1893 (ninth heat). 
Harrietta, b. m. (5), Lexington, Ky., Oct. 10, 1893 (third heat). 
Lord Clinton, blk. g. (9), Columbus, O., July 13, 1894 (second heat), 
Alix, b. m. (6), Saginaw, Mich., July 14, 1894 (second heat). 
Azote, b. g. (7), Detroit, Mich., July 19, 1894 (first heat). 
Alix, b. m. (6), Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1894 (first heat). 
Trevillian, b. h. (5), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug. 17, 1894 (first heat). 
Trevillian, b. h. (5), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug 17, 1894 (fourth heat). 
Ellard, b. h. (6), Terre Haute, Ind., Sept. 13, 1894 (second heat). 
Trevillian, b. h. (5), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 16, 1894 (third heat). 
PhcBbe Wilkes, b. m. (9), Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 30, 1894 (third heat). 
3.10 — 

Martha Wilkes, b. m. (9), Independence, la., Aug. 26, 1894 (second 

heat). 
Little Albert, ch. g. (9), Cleveland, O., July 37, 1893 (first heat). 
Walter E., b. g. (9), Cleveland, O., July 37, 1893 (third heat). 
Directum, blk. h. (4), New York, N. Y., Aug. 30, 1893 (third heat) 
Magnolia, b. m. (6), Columbus, Ind., Sept. 1, 1893 (third heat). 
Azote, b. g. (7), Cleveland, O., July 38, 1894 (third heat). 
Pamlico, b. h. (9), Terre Haute, Ind., Aug, 15, 1894 (second heat). 
Directum, blk. h. (5), Portland, Me., Oct. 6, 1894 (first heat). 
Kyland T., b. g., Nashville, Tenn,, Oct. 17, 1894 (first heat). 
Azote, b. g, (7), Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 2, 1894 (third heat), 

TABLE OF 2.10 PACERS, 

2.01K- 

Robert J., by Hartford, 2.33^^, 
2.033^ — 

John R. Gentry, by Ashland Wilkes, 2,17i|'. 
2.04 — 

Flying Jib, by Algona, 11,543, 



420 TABLE OF PACERS. 

2.04 — 

Joe Patchen, by Patchen Wilkes, 2.293^. 

Mascot, by Deceive, 17,552. 

Online, 4, by Sliadeland Onward, 2 183^. 
2.041^- 

Ilal Pointer, by Gibson's Tom Hal. 
2.0434 — 

Hal Dillard, by Brown Hal, p., 2.12i^. 

2.O0K- 

Direct, by Director, 2.17. 
2.053^ — 

Saladin, by Sultan, 2.24. 
2.O6I4 — 

Jay-Eye-See, by Dictator, 113. 

Johnston, by Joe Bassett, 13,867. 
2.063^- 

Roy Wilkes, by Adrian Wilkes, 6,560. 

Strathberry, by Roseberry, 2.15^. 
2.063^ — 

Guy, by Shiloh. 

Manager, by Nutwood, 2.18^. 

2.07 — 

Silkwood, by Blackwood Mambrino, 12,324. 

Vassar, by Vatican, 2.29^. 

W. Wood, by Steinway, 2.253^. 
2.071.^ — 

Hal Braden, by Brown Hal, p , 2.121^. 
2.071^ — 

Ontonian, by Sliadeland Onward, 2 183^. 

Will Kerr, by Ethan Wilkes, 6,417. 
2.0734 — 

Crawford, by Favorite AVilkes, 2.243^. 

Directly, 2, by Direct, p., 3 053^. 

Reflector, by Duplex, p., 2.1731:. 

2.08 — 

Rowdy Joe, by Telegraph. 

Rubinstein, 4, by Baron Wilkes, 2.18. 
2.O8I4 — 

Blue Sign, by Ensign, 469. 

May Marshall, by Billy Wilkes, 2.293>|. 
2.083^- 

Coastman, by Bourbon Wilkes, 2,345. 

J. H. L., by Idol Wilkes, 512. 



TABLE OF PACERS. 421 

2.083^- 

Merry Chimes, by Chimes, 2.30^. 

Storm, by Brown Hal, p., 2.12i^. 
2.08% — 

Barney, by Barney Wilkes, 7,433. 

Seal, by Notary, 11,724. 

2.09 — 

Bourbon Patchen, by Bourbon Wilkes, 2,345. 

Carbonate, 2, by Superior, 2.17i<£. 

Doc Sperry, by Altamont, 2.26%. 

La Belle, by Lockheart, 2.13. 
2.09% — 

Diablo, 4, by Charles Derby, 2.20. 

Prima Donna, by Betterton, 8,022. 

Vinette, by Ethan Wilkes, 6,417. 
2.091^- 

Moonstone, by Mambrino King, 1,279. 

Paul, by Bald Hornet, p., 2.21. 

Venture, by Bald Hornet, p., 2.21. 
2 09% — 

Atlantic King, by Atlantic, 2.21. 

Coleridge, by C. F. Clay, 2.18. 

Ed Easton, 4, by Chimes, 2.30%. 

Fred K., by Shadeland Onward, 2.183^. 

Gazette, by Onward, 2.25%. 

Laura T., by Al West, 14,371. 

Maj. Wonder, by Maj. Edsall, Jr., 19,183. 

Winslow Wilkes, by Black Wilkes, 3,141. 

2.10 — 

Blanche Louise, by Red Wilkes, 1,749. 
Cricket, by Steinway, 1,808. 
Edith, by Dexter Prince, 11,363. 
Ethel A., 3, by Adrian Wilkes, 6,560. 
Guinette, by Gambetta Wilkes, 2.19%. 
Whirligig, 3, by Wilko, 9,733. 

LOWERING THE RECORDS 
Eighty-eight years ago the world's trotting record was 
barely within the three-minute limit — 2.59 — and was held by 
a horse called Yankee, and was made under the saddle. Slow 
though it was, it stood for four years, and was then lowered 
only half a second by a " horse from Boston " ; so it will be seen 



422 LOWERING THE RECORDS. 

that the " city of beans " has always been " in it " in the fast 
horse business. 

Since that time down to the present time the record has 
gradually dropped, until the present low mark is reached. 
The following table shows the course that both the trotting 
and pacing records have taken from the inception of trotting 
and pacing speed to the present time : 

TROTTERS. 

1806 Yankee, saddle, . ....... 2.59 

1810 A horse from Boston, saddle, ....... 2.58J^ 

1824 Topgallant, saddle, . . 2.40 

1830 Burster, saddle, 2.32 

1834 Edwin Forrest, saddle, . . . . . . . . 2.313^ 

1843 Lady Suffolk, saddle, . . .. . . . - . 2.28 

1844 Lady Suffolk, saddle, 2.26i^ 

185? Tacony, saddle, 2.25i^ 

1856 Flora Temple, 2.24i^ 

1859 Flora Temple, 2.19?^ 

1865 Dexter 2.18i^^ 

1866 Dexter, 2.18 

1867 Dexter 2.17i^ 

1871 Goldsmith Maid 2.17 

1872 Goldsmith Maid, 2.163^ 

1874 Goldsmith Maid, 2.14 

1878 Rarus, 2.13?^ 

1879 St Julien 2.11>^ 

1880 Maud S 2.10^4 

1881 MaudS, . . . . . 2.10i^ 

1884 Jay-Eye-See (Aug. 1st), . . 2.10 

1884 Maud S (Aug. 2d) 2.09.3^ 

1884 MaudS (Nov. 11th), . . 2.09?^ 

1885 MaudS, . . . . . 2,0814 

1891 Sunol, 2.081^ 

1892 Nancy Hanks (Aug. 17th), 2.07i^ 

1892 Nancy Hanks (Aug. 31st) 2.05i^ 

1892 Nancy Hanks (Sept. 28th) 2.04 

1894 Alix (Sept. 12th), 2 04 

1894 Alix (Sept. 19th), . 2.033^ 



LOWERING THE RECORDS. 423 

PACERS. 

1835 Oneida Chief, saddle, 3.31 

1839 Drover, saddle, . 2.30 

1844 James K.Polk, . . . 2 23 

1849 Dan Miller, 2.23 

1851 Tecumseh, 2.21 

1852 Roanoke, . . . . 2.183^ 

1855 Pocahontas, wagon, 2.17J^ 

1868 Billy Boyce, saddle, . 3.143^ 

1879 Sleepy Tom, . . 2.12i^ 

1881 Little Brown Jug, . . . . . . . . . 3.11^ 

1883 Johnston 3.10 

1884 Johnston, 3.06i^ 

1891 Direct 3.053^ 

1893 Hal Pointer (Aug. 18th and Sept. 22d), ..... 2.05i^ 

1893 Mascot (Sept. 29th), 3.04 

1893 Flying Jib, 3.04 

1894 Robert J (Aug. 31st), 3.033^ 

1894 Robert J (Sept. 6th), .2 033^ 

1894 Robert J (Sept. 14th), . . . . ■ . . . . 3.013^ 

From, the above it will be seen that a period of thirty-seven 
years was required to effect the reduction of the trotting record 
from three minutes to 2.30 ; sixteen years to reduce it from 
2.30 to 2.20 ; fifteen years to reduce it from 2.20 to 2.15 ; ten 
years to reduce it from 2.15 to 2.10; and only eight years to re- 
duce it from 2.10 to 2,04 ; and two years to reduce it from 2.04 
to 2.03|. 

Hence, for a period of fifty-one years, the average reduction 
per year is a trifle less than half a second, and with this ratio 
kept up until the year 1900, we will have the long-looked for 
two-minute trotter. 

It is my belief that we shall not have to wait longer than 
this for the fulfillment of this achievement. The reduction of 
the pacing record is attended with some peculiar features. 
From 1839 to 1852, a period of thirteen years, the record was 
reduced from 2.30 to 2.18|, and in 1868 it was placed at 2.141 
by Billy Boyce. 

A period of fifteen years was required for a reduction of 4i 
seconds, to 2.10 by Johnston in 1883. The following year the 



424 LOWERING THE RECORDS. 

record was reduced 3| seconds, and there it hung for seven 
years. Eight years were required in reducing the records from 
2.06^ to 2.04, where it hung for two years, and then, in a single 
season, dropped to 2.01 i, a reduction of 2h seconds. 

With the trotting record the lower it goes the slower comes 
the reduction, while with the pacing record the reverse is true, 
and it seems almost a certainty that the two-minute pacer will 
be a reality very soon, — probably in 1896. 



APPEI^DIX. 



IK concluding^ this book I feel that while I have faithfully 
— and, I believe, impartially — mentioned and described 
many prominent horses, both of the present and past, I feel' 
that the book will be incomplete should I fail to mention more 
particularly some of the individual animals owned and driven 
by myself during a period of some forty-five years. "While 
some people care nothing for horses unless they are fast and 
have records, I have ever estimated them for their general 
utility and measured them by their general worth. I remem- 
ber with pleasure many very good roadster and business horses 
— both mares and geldings — that I have handled during these 
years ; also several well-matched pairs, in which I have taken 
some pride. Also the stallions I have owned or have had 
charge of at different periods of my life with the, I think, 
laudable object of improving the horse stock of America. I 
will in this connection individualize one hundred or so only of 
the better ones of the whole lot ; in some cases giving their 
breeding, or partially so. For convenience I will divide them 
into three classes. 

CLASS I.— ROADSTER AND BUSINESS HORSES. 

Peince Albert was my first horse. I bought him of a 
dealer on my own judgment in 1850, and never bought a bet- 
ter bargain since. He was a steel-gray gelding, six years old, 
a Morgan, from northern 'New York, and the very picture of 
Green Mountain Morgan, as given in this book. (See index to 
illustrations.) He was about fifteen hands high and weighed 
1,000 pounds. This proved a very valuable horse, and his after 
owner was once offered $500 for him. 

Fanny Hazard. A beautiful bay mare, bred in Yermont, 

(425) 



426 APPENDIX. 

of the Black Hawk type, and I believe very well bred, yet I 
never knew her breeding. She was a very spirited, high-strung- 
animal, but with firm and kind usage an extra good one, and a 
great roadster. 

Little Bill. A bay horse of the old New England type, 
a Ehode Island production, kind and safe in all harness. Called 
Little Bill from the fact that his former owners had a bay 
horse named Bill at the time of his purchase, and his name 
being Bill also they did not realize, perhaps, that they could 
easily change the name of their new purchase to something 
else, so called the pair Old Bill and Little Bill — the new 
purchase being the smaller. I finally sold him to " Old Bill " 
Watson. 

Dobbin. A dappled-gray horse from Canada, and a very 
good specimen of the Canadian horses as raised in Canada at 
that time. He was a good horse and quite sagacious. See 
Sagacious Horses [Chapter XXXIX]. 

Jim Crow. A coal-black horse with white stripe in face, a 
young horse from the province of Quebec, Canada, an extra 
good driver and w^orker, and an all-around good piece of horse- 
flesh. 

l^ELLiE GrEAY. A flca-bitten graj mare from the north, 
either Vermont or Canada. Good driver, high-strung, and had 
been a puller. Her tongue showed marks of a harsh bit, and 
had evidently been cut half in two. 

Peoud Sorrel. A sorrel horse of great style and beauty, 
making, I think, the most show in harness of any horse I ever 
sat behind. He was a Morgan horse from Yermont. 

Johnny Morgan. A Morgan horse from New Hampshire. 
A good all-around horse and at home in all harness. In color 
a Morgan brown, without any white. 

Carlo. A beautiful brown horse, with an elongated star 
and stripe and one white hind foot. Bred in Vermont. Had 
been owned and used by a doctor previous to my purchasing 
him ; was very kind and clever in all harness, and a great 
favorite of my women folks as a driving horse. 



APPENDIX. 427 

Kitty, A beautiful gray trotting mare and very fast. At 
one time the fastest sleigh mare in the city of Providence and 
the boss of the Pawtucket "pike." A worthy daughter of 
Yermont Black Hawk. 

IN^ELLiE Ely. A beautiful dark chestnut mare from Yer- 
mont ; high-strung, but very sagacious and mentioned among 
Sagacious Horses in Chapter XXXIX. 

Jenny Lind. A mouse-colored mare, with white stripe and 
one white hind stocking. Raised in ISTorth Kingston, R. I.^ 
and was descended from the Narraganset Pacer on side of 
dam ; her dam being a black mare formerly owned and driven 
by Capt. ISTat. Reynolds and mentioned in iN'arragansett 
Pacers, Chapter TV. She was very high-strung and contrary^ 
but one of the greatest road mares of her time, and no road 
was too long for her. 

Morgan Hunter. A bright, bay, young horse, not fairly 
broken when I bought him, but proved himself a kind and 
most excellent general purpose horse. 

Beown Bill. A dark-brown horse. A good all-around • 
animal, great roadster, free driver, but became subject to run- 
ning fits. See Fits [Chapter XLY]. 

Katy Fishee. a jet-black Morgan mare, with one white 
hind foot, of the true, old-fashioned Morgan type; bred in 
Yermont, sired by the Bundy horse. When I purchased her 
in 1857 she was but four years old and but partially broken^ 
but proved herself one of the very best of her time, and 
naturally made a good brood mare. 

ISTancy. a spotted Arabian mare, raised in Rhode Island. 
Sired by a son of the Arabian horse captured in the war with 
Mexico and brought to Fort Adams, ]^ewport, R. I., in 1848. 
She was my first brood mare, raising the first colt ever foaled 
as my own property in 1858. She proved a good brood mare, 
breeding after the horse, and continued to breed and raise 
colts till about thirty years old. 

Majoe. a fine, large, brown gelding, with prominent star 
— no other white — raised in the State of New York, He 



428 • APPENDIX. 

was a powerful, strong-going road horse, and a very high-life 
animal. I drove this horse a great many miles on the roads of 
Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. 

Billy Brown — The Daniel H. Brown horse — A hand- 
some blood bay horse, and quite a good roadster. My mother 
liked to drive him. 

Wild Tom. A red-roan gelding of quite good breeding, his 
dam being Fanny Hazard, mentioned in this Ap23endix. He 
was nearly spoiled in breaking before coming into my hands, 
and was always considered a wild, unsafe horse, although 
with me and my rational treatment behaved himself well 
enough. 

Lady Baeebones. A beautiful chestnut mare, daughter of 
Vermont Black Hawk, bred by the Messrs. Goddard of Poto- 
womut, R. I. A very high-life animal, but one of the very 
best. She once swam from Potowomut to Warwick l^eck. 
She is mentioned among the sagacious ones in Chapter 
XXXIX. 

Matt Morgan. As fine a specimen of the Morgan horse as 
I ever saw, and, perhaps, as closely bred as any. She was a 
beautiful bay with full black points, without white, and would 
liave made a picture very like that of Justin Morgan in this 
book. 

Lady Messenger. A beautiful gray mare of Messenger 
stock — trotting bred — bred by a Dr. Seagur of Connecticut, 
and one of the finest and best specimens of horse flesh I ever 
owned. 

Tom Hendrick. Iron gray horse from Canada; an extra 
general purpose animal, and but few of his class could equal him. 

Flora Blackhawk. A coal-black mare of the New Eng- 
land Black Hawk stock. A most excellent piece of horse flesh, 
and held out such till at least thirty years old. 

Black Bess. A black mare w4th elongated star and one 
w^hite hind foot, about fifteen and three-quarters hands, daugh- 
ter of Vermont Black Hawk, was one of the very best mares 
of her day, one of the fastest walkers I ever drove, and would 



APPENDIX. 429 

put up as far from home with a day's drive as the best of 
them. 

Pbince. Chestnut gelding from Yermont. A good speci- 
men of the Morgans ; too high seasoned for general use, but a, 
great, never-tire, all-day roadster. I once drove him from New 
London, Conn., to the Dimon S.tock Farm in Pomfret, same 
State, some seventy miles over a very hilly road one of the 
hottest days of the year 187Y in less than ten hours and the 
thermometer registered 9Y degrees in shade, and I did not have 
a tired-out horse by any means when I got home. 

CoEA Linn. Bay mare, two white feet, by Gage's Logan,, 
son of Eysdyk's Hambletonian, dam the fast Morgan trotting 
mare Fanny King ; bred by B. F. Holley, Momence, 111., of 
whom I purchased her for $500 when unbroken singly. She 
came as near being an india-rubber animal as any I ever 
owned. I frequently drove her from the " Dimon Stock 
Farm " to Providence, P. I., and back same day, some sixty- 
six miles, and frequently with quite a load one way, and some- 
times both ways. She lived to be quite along in years, and 
finally did a good day's work the very last day of her life. 
She was the dam of the trotting horse. Gov. Dimon, by 
Sprague's Hambletonian. (See Sprague's Hambletonian, Chap- 
ter IX.) 

Fanny Kenyon. A beautiful dappled gray mare, and one 
of the handsomest I ever saw when in her prime; sired by 
Ehode Island, 2.23i, son of Whitehall. I purchased her as one 
of the brood mares for the "Dimon Stock Farm" in 1873. 
She was the dam of the fast trotting horse, Col. Sprague, by 
Sprague's Hambletonian. (See Sprague's Hambletonian,. 
Chapter IX.) 

Island ISTellie. A sorrel mare with white stripe in face,, 
no other white ; bred by the author and taken to " Diraon's 
Stock Farm " as one of the brood mares of that once celebrated 
stock farm, and was the dam of "Dimon's Morgan," "Plow 
Boy," etc. 

Peerless. A light bay mare, some white in face, and ' 



430 APPENDIX. 

white stocking behind ; bred in Yermont, sired by Ethan Allen, 
her dam a Morgan mare, pedigree untraced. One of the freest 
drivers and greatest road mares I ever owned. I let Hon. 
John E. Russell of Leicester, Mass., have her one season as a 
driving mare and to breed to his stallion, Privateer. 

Eeaeless. Sorrel mare, no white markings ; a well-bred 
daughter of Fearnaught, by Young Morrel, dam untraced. 
One of the best free driving mares I ever used, but too high- 
strung and rattle-headed for anything but a driver. 

IIuNKADORA was a dark chestnut trotting mare, bred in Yer- 
mont, and sired by Osceola, son of Black Hawk. She was 
something of a puller — very much so when I first bought her 
— but could come as near flying as any horse I ever rode after. 

Minnie Boston. Thoroughbred bay mare ; one of the 
brood mares of the " Dimon Stock Farm," sired by Imported 
Bonnie Scotland, dam Kate Boston, by Lexington, 2d, dam 
Ann Stevens, by Imported Trustee. I paid Pierre Lorillard, 
the great tobacco prince of America, $500 for her, she being in 
foal at time of purchase to Imported Canwell, and produced 
Lord Canwell, which I afterwards sold to go to South America 
as a stock horse. She also produced Minnie Russell, by Priva- 
teer, Minnie Dimon, and others. 

Alma Dimon. A beautiful Morgan mare, brown, with 
stripe and one white foot, colored and marked exactly like 
Smuggler, 2.15|. I drove this mare in Boston and vicinity in 
1883, and took her West in 1884 She was the dam of Midair, 
by Midway, son of Alraont. 

KiTTiE Walker. A dark chestnut mare of the Royal 
Oeorge stock of Canada, with a strong thoroughbred cross. 
She was one of my driving mares during the time I had charge 
•of the Essex Stock Farm in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. I 
consider her among the greatest driving horses I ever drew 
rein over. I have driven her through the streets of Detroit 
at a 2.30 gait in a buggy, and have very narrowly escaped 
being fined for fast driving, and, perhaps, would have been 
had they a mounted police with horses fast enough for the 



APPENDIX. 431 

purpose. When I took this mare in hand she was considered a 
rank puller. I soon got her out of that notion by using a hu- 
mane bit, and she proved to have one of the most sensitive and 
best of mouths, and I could play any tune on it I wished with 
the reins, just as a harper would play the harp with the strings. 

EosA. A beautiful sorrel, without white, half-thorougbred 
m.are was another of my driving horses at the Essex Stock 
!Farm. She was put into my hands as being somewhat tricky 
and unsafe, but proved with me a most excellent mare and 
safe. I could talk her into anything, even to standing still on 
the streets of Windsor, Ont., while a troop of elephants be- 
longing to Barnum's show passed by. With this mare I gave 
a young man the surprise of his life who thought he had a fast 
one, by driving completely around him within less than a mile 
on the road. 

E-oAK Prince. A roan gelding of the Royal George stock 
of Canada, was a very easy and pleasant roadster for a thirty 
to fifty -mile drive. 

KiTTiE Maxwell. Gray mare, by Informer, son of Jay 
Gould, by Hambletonian, was about as handy stepper and easy 
mover as I ever drove, but had been badly handled before I 
bought her, and was considered very unsafe, requiring much 
watching, still I never had an accident with her. 

Sorrel Bill. Sorrel gelding, breeding unknown ; still it 
must have been good, as he had the " ear marks " of a well-bred 
one. An extra good buggy and livery horse. I used him in my 
livery business in Detroit. A great favorite with my lady 
customers. 

Maggie Dimon. A jet black mare, star, snip, and one white 
foot behind, extra well-bred. Took her to Indiana as a brood 
mare. The dam of Maud Bayard by General Bayard, son of 
Bayard, by Pilot, Jr., the sire of the dam of Maud S, 2.08f . 

Minnie Morgan. Seal brown mare with tan muzzle, no 
white, a veritable old-fashioned ]^. E. Morgan. I took her to 
Indiana with me for a brood mare and kept her seven years ; 
she was a very good mother and grew her colts very fast ; was 



432 APPENDIX. 

the dam of Pilot Morgan, Bayard Morgan, Morgan King, 
etc. 

l^ELLiE Feaknaught. Bav mare, without white, sired by 
Sawtelle's Fearnaught, dam Nellie Bashaw, by Black Bashaw. 
Good road mare, very handsome and stylish, and a good brood 
mare. 

Golden Rule. Bay mare, with star and snip, bred in 
Michigan, sired by Shadeland Prince, son of Enchanter, by 
Administrator, dam by Golden Bow, sixteen hands high, an ex- 
cellent mare for all business, very intelligent and level-headed. 
Has proved herself a good brood mare, is now my driving 
mare, and I take but little dust from any of them. 

Amanda Brown. Gray mare, by Joe Brown, 2.22. One of 
the most resolute go-ahead driving and business mares I ever 
owned or used. 

Blanche Wayne. Light bay mare, white stripe and one 
white stocking behind, sire Anthony Wayne, 2.31J, son of Andy- 
Johnson, by Henry Clay, dam by Blue Bull (75), a medium 
size all-around good one, perfectly at home in all harness, and 
one of the best single field horses I ever owned. She is dam of 
^' Queen of the West," by Stockton King, 

Belmont Maid. Black mare, by Belmont Prince, was a 
game easy-going driving mare, and is mentioned among the 
sagacious ones in this book. (See Chapter XXXIX.) 

Maud Bayard. Gray mare, by General Bayard, now five 
years old, dam Maggie Dimon. I bred her and still own her, 
and consider her among the best for general use, driving in- 
cluded, I ever bred. 

Mary Brown. Solid black mare, four years old, at this 
writing with a fine Stockton King colt " Dimoneer," at foot, and 
again in foal to same horse. She was sired by General 
Baj^ard, and is standard-bred and recorded. 

CLASS II. MATCHED TEAMS. 
Charley and Tiger were sorrel geldings with white stripes 
in faces. They were matched by myself, and were my first 



APPENDIX. 433 

pair of really matched ones, and of which I felt quite proud. 
They were young, sound, and quite speedy, and sold for a good 
price to go to Newport, K. I. 

DoLLiE AND Nellie were black mares bred in Vermont, and 
sired by Vermont Black Hawk. They were handsome, kind, 
and good drivers and workers in all harness. I finally used 
them as brood mares, and " Nellie " was the dam of " Island 
Nellie," Class I, this Appendix. 

Major and Colonel were bay geldings of good weight and 
a first-class and valuable team for general use. 

Mary Lee and Hattie C. were dapple gray mares, bred in 
Canada. I owned and drove them on the road somewhat in 
1859. They were good trappy roadsters and attracted consid- 
# arable attention. 

Charlie and Prince were sorrel geldings, and quite well- 
matched. Charlie was a southern horse and was used in battle 
as a war horse, and was ridden by both a southern and northern 
officer. Captured by northern army and brought to Provi- 
dence, E,. I. Prince was a Rhode Island production. 

Fanny Fern and Dollie Hale were bay mares with white 
stripes in faces and white stockings behind, were own sisters, 
extra well-bred, sired by Imported Consternation, bred in 
Herkimer County, N. Y., and purchased at a long price as 
brood mares for the " Dimon Stock Farm." They both proved 
to be excellent in all places. " Fanny Fern " was the dam of 
Confidence, Fanny Allen, etc., and Dollie Hale w^as the dam of 
" Dimon's Pathfinder " and Goldfinder. 

Calzadilla and Canzonet were beautiful dapple gray mares, 
bred by Henry S. Hutchins of Pomfret, Conn. They were 
from good stock and among the best of their day. I remember 
them to-day with feelings both of pleasure and of sorrow. I 
traded this pair to a gentleman in the State of New York, even, 
for twenty-two head of cattle. 

Brown Bess and Indiana Belle. Seal brown mares with 
tan muzzles, the former bred in Canada, and the latter in Indi- 
28 



434 APPENDIX. 

ana. I matched this pair of mares when many miles apart, and 
they were as near a perfect match as could well have been. I 
sold them in spring of 1882 to the Storrs' Agricultm^al School 
of Connecticut. 

Frank and Fred, sorrel geldings bred in Canada. They 
were good general purpose horses, both double and singly. 

Charley and Ben were a verj^ good pair of well-matched 
black geldings bred in Indiana. Good in all harness and good 
drivers, double or single. I sold them to Hoffman Bros., Fort 
"Wayne, Ind. 

Golden Rule and Shadeland Queen were a pair of beauti- 
ful bay mares sixteen hands high and weighing 1,200 to 1,300 
pounds each. I purchased them of their breeder in Pontiac, 
Mich. They were, taken all in all, when five years old — at the 
time of purchase — about the best coach team I ever saw (or at 
least one of the best). I purchased them for brood mares — as 
they were exceptionally well-bred — and took them to " Fern 
Hill Stock Farm," Fort Wayne, Ind. I had the misfortune to 
lose Shadeland Queen soon after the purchase. Golden Rule I 
still own at this writing — Aug. 7, 1895, and but few men ever 
owned a better mare. 

Jim Blaine and Fritz Avere a good pair of bay geldings, 
matched by myself. One was bred in Indiana, and one in Ken- 
tucky, both from trotting-bred stock. They Avere good drivers 
and splendid Avorkers, double and single, and safe. 

CLASS III. STALLIONS. 

Bengal Tiger. A beautiful buckskin or dun-color Avith 
striped legs, a black stripe running length of back Avith black 
mane and tail, was my first. I purchased him in 1851, Avhen a 
three-years old, and broke him myself. A¥hile pedigree Avas 
of but little account in those days, and in that section, as 
compared Avith the present, the pedigree of this colt Avas con- 
sidered to be very good, and traced back to the IS'arragansett 
Pacer. (See Chapter IV.) 

Black Highlands. A beautiful jet black horse Avith star 



APPENDIX. 435 

and one white foot behind, a grandson of Yermont Black 
Hawk, was my next purchase, and no man ever yet owned a 
handsomer one. He proved himself a good stock horse and im- 
proved the stock of Southwestern R. I. quite considerably. 

Emanuel. A beautiful dapple gray, was my next. He was 
the grandson of an ImjDorted Arabian mare crossed on a 
Morgan stallion, and was quite a popular horse of his time, 
locality considered. 

Narragansett. a red-roan was my next stallion. He 
was quite a good horse, and traced to the Karragansett pacing 
family. 

Uncle Tom, (black and all black,) was a black Morgan 
horse of the old Yermont stock, tracing in an unbroken line to 
Justin Morgan. 

Main's Morgan was a brown Morgan horse with no white, 
was considered quite well-bred and sired good stock, " Island 
JSTellie " among others. 

Island Kino was a buckskin with full black points, quite a 
fine horse, and tracing to the ]N^arragansetts with a Morgan 
" top cross " — as the short-horn breeders would say. 

Dimon's Pathfinder. A bright bay horse without white, 
one of my own breeding and one of the finest of his day. He 
was a cross between the best branch of the Morgan family, 
and the thoroughbred, his dam being DoUie Hale, by Imported 
Consternation. 

Confidence. Black with white stripe and one white stock- 
ing behind, bred similar to Pathfinder, his sire being the 
Morgan Stallion " Potter Horse," and his dam Fanny Fern, 
sister to DoUie Hale, by Imported Consternation. He was also 
bred by myself. 

GoLDFiNDER. A mahogauy bay, solid color, bred at Dim on 
Stock Farm. Sire Figaro, by Imported Consternation, dam 
DoUie Hale, by Imported Consternation. A blood horse and 
showing. his breeding. A fine animal. 

Hampton Court. Imported thoroughbred. Foaled in 1864. 
Bred by Mr. C. C. Greville at Hampton Court Paddocks, Eng- 



436 APPENDIX. 

land. Imported by K. W. Cameron of Clifton, Staten Island, 
in 1865. Got by Young Melbourne, dam Durindana, by Or- 
lando ; second dam, Dispatch, by Defence ; third dam, IS'an- 
nette (sister to Glaucus), by Partisan ; fourth dam, Nan in e, by 
Selim ; fifth dam, Bazarre, by Peruvian ; sixth dam, Yiolante, 
by John Bull ; seventh dam, sister to Skyscraper, by High- 
flyer ; eighth dam. Everlasting, by Eclipse ; ninth dam, Hyaena, 
by Snap ; tenth dam. Miss Bulsea, by Regulus ; eleventh dam, 
by Bartlett's Childers; twelfth dam, by Honey wood's Arabian ; 
thirteenth dam, Byerley Mare, bred by Mr. Bowes, the dam of 
the two True Blues. 

Hickory Star. A chestnut horse, by Hickory Jack, son of 
Ethan Allen, dam crossed on thoroughbred stock. A hand- 
some horse of the Ethan Allen type. 

Lord Canwell. Thoroughbred. Sire Imported CanweU; 
dam Minnie Boston, by Imported Bonnie Scotland. He was a 
natural trotter. Solid bay in color. I sold him to go to South 
America for stock purposes. 

Sprague's Hambletonian. Brown bay horse, without white. 
One of the best individual sons of Alexander's Abdallah ; dam 
a Morgan mare, pedigree untraced. He was formerly called 
New York, and was, w4th his mate. Belle Brandon, at one time 
the fastest road team in New York city. He sired Gov. 
Sprague, 2.22|^ (five-years'-old record), in 1870; Gov. Dimon 
and Col. Sprague in 1875. His stud services were very limited, 
and he died in Pomfret, Conn., in 1876. He also sired Boston 
Boy Hambletonian, 2.25, and a few (very few) others. 

Boston Boy Hambletonian, 2.25. A bay horse sired by 
Sprague's Hambletonian (see above) ; dam Boston Girl, etc. 
Stood for mares at Dimon Stock Farm season of 1877, and I 
drove him some on the road. A strong'-movinfi: horse. 

CoMus. Chestnut horse, without white. A beautiful son 
of Green's Bashaw and Topsy, by Prophet, son of Black Hawk. 
I Ivept him at the Dimon Stock Farm for mares and for driving 
purposes, and while his duties in the stud were quite light, he 



APPENDIX. 437 

was one of the finest and most beautiful gaited road horses I 
ever drove. I bred several mares of my own to him in 1877. 

Midway. A beautiful seal-brown horse, sired by Almont, 
son of Alexander's Abdallah ; dam Madam Cowper, by Mam- 
brino Chief. He was a beautiful-dispositioned horse. I han- 
dled and drove him in Boston in 1883. He could trot better 
than 2.30, but was never raced. I bred to him. 

Beacon Light. A beautiful bay colt, by Daniel Lambert ; 
dam Emma, by Columbus. I raised him. He was of the 
Ethan Allen style and pattern. I took him West. Took first 
premium in his class at the great Canadian fair in Toronto, 
Canada, in 1884. 

Cute. Bay horse, by Strathmore ; dam a well-bred mare ; 
quite a gamey little horse. Name afterwards changed to De- 
troit. 'Not very successful either as a sire or trotter. 

H. G. Bay horse, by Rysdyk and half brother to Cling- 
stone, 2.14. Quite a showy horse and a fair driver, and his 
stock quite good. 

Adonis. Mahogany-bay horse, sire the thoroughbred horse 
Oen. Custer, dam a well-bred Canadian mare. 

Dandy. Brown bay. Imported Exmoor pony, imported 
from England in 1881 ; formerly belonged to the Queen's stud. 

Romulus. Dapple-gray imported Percheron stallion. [See 
cut in this book.] Imported in 1881 from Perche, France. I 
took the gold medal with him at Canada's great fair at Toronto 
in 1884, over all draft horses. 

Maequis. Gray imported Percheron. Imported in dam 
Cozette, sire Romulus, as above. A very good specimen of this 
breed. 

Hugo. Black imported Percheron stallion, weighing 1,900 
pounds at maturity. Good type and quite a good sire. 

Midair. Brown stallion, sire Midway, son of Almont, dam 
Alma Dimon, etc. [See driving and business horses.] 

General Bayaed. Gray horse. Best individual son of 
Bayard, 2.31 i, the best son of Pilot, Jr., sire of dams of Maud 
S., 2.08f, Jay-Eye-See, 2.10, etc., etc. Bayard sired Kitty 



438 APPENDIX. 

Bayard, 2.12J, the world's trotting record on half-mile track ; 
dam of General Bayard, Adalia, by Administrator; second 
dam by Gill's Yermont. A natural trotter and good sire. 

Thornhedge, a beautiful ba}^ horse of the Morgan type, 
sire Venture, by Aristos, son of Daniel Lambert; dam the 
great brood mare Nannie Thorne, by Hamlet, and dam of 
Thornless, 2.15|, and Little Thorn, 2.22|, etc. 

Decoration. Sorrel, white stripe, and two white stockings ; 
sire Strathmore, dam Folly, by Billy Denton, son of Hamble- 
tonian, etc. 

Pilot Morgan. Black colt ; sire Gen. Bayard, by Bayard, 
son of Pilot, Jr., dam Minnie Morgan. (See Roadster Class.) 

Bayard Morgan. Gray colt ; sire Gen. Bayard, dam Min- 
nie Morgan, as above — own brother to Pilot Morgan, 

Indiana Chief. Bay colt ; sire Gen. Bayard, dam Golden 
Rule, by Shadeland Prince, son of Enchanter, etc., second dam 
by Golden Bow, etc., etc. 

Stockton King, 22,407. Blood bay horse, foaled May 4, 
1890 ; bred by Hon. L. U. Shippee, Stockton, Cal. Sire Cam- 
paign, 9,801, the best trotting-bred son of the great Electioneer, 
with 155 in the 2.30 list, 35 of that number in the 2.20 list, four 
in the 2.12 list, and of Sunol, 2.08i ; dam Right Motion, by 
Motion, 2.29, son of the great Daniel Lambert, with 38 in the 
2.30 list ; second dam Columbus Mare, by Columbus (95) with 
11 in the list. This young horse represents the Hambletonian, 
Clay, Morgan, Mambrino, American Star, Columbus, and Pilot, 
Jr., families and is unquestionably intensel}^ trotting bred, as 
shown by the records. Bred in the purple but feebly expresses 
the quality of his breeding. 

Above I have named a few of the many I have owned and 
handled in my lifetime. Many, and, in fact, most of them, are 
dead, but none, as I am aware of, have had shafts of marble 
erected to their memory like Hambletonian and some few 
others, although some of them may have been quite as de- 
serving. 



APPENDIX. 439 

Are horses immortal ? Do they have souls ? Shall we 
meet them, again ? 

I dare not say they do, and you cannot say they do not, for 
we neither of us know. 

In adding this Appendix containing this galaxy of some- 
what celebrated and useful horses, my object was not to set 
forth their merits above others or to boast of their ownership, 
but give it as history intended to act as an object-lesson to the 
breeder, and hoping it may be of interest to the general reader 
of this book. 

In conclusion, I feel that I have a right to claim that I have 
"been honest in my intentions, and that I have endeavored, and 
I hope succeeded, in giving to the world a true and impartial 
history of the horse. I feel that the writing and publishing of 
this book has been the one great effort of my life, and that the 
book itself will be a lasting monument to my memory and will 
do far more towards perpetuating the same than any granite 
or marble monument could possibly do. I have confidence 
enough in the work to believe it will become the leading and 
standard work on the horse in America and the world. 

If my teachings shall have the effect of ameliorating the 
abuse of this noble animal during his short life as the faithful 
servant of man, I shall feel that I have accomplished a mission, 
perhaps the mission of my life. 

"While steam and electricity are fast usurping the horse, 
there are yet, and ever will be, many, very many, things, busi- 
ness-wise and pleasure-wise, wherein his place will never be 
filled, and the breeding of horses in the future, as in the past, 
will ever be a legitimate, permanent, and, when properly and- 
scientifically conducted, profitable business. Steam travel has 
usurped stage travel, and electricity will soon usurp steam, but 
the hoi'se has come to stay. 



440 APPENDIX. 

THE OLD TURNPIKE. 

Selected. 

" We hear no more the clanging hoof, 

And the stage-coach rattling by, 
For the steam-king rules the travel world. 

And the old pike's left to die. 
The grape creeps o'er the flinty path, 

And the stealthy daisies steal 
Where once the stage horse, day by day, 

Lifted his iron heel. 

" No more the weary stager dreads 

The toil of the coming morn ; 
No more the bustling landlord runs 

At the sound of the echoing horn ; 
For the dust lies still upon the road. 

And the bright-eyed children play 
Where once the clattering hoof and wheel 

Rattled along the way. 

** No more we hear the cracking whip. 

And the strong wheel's rumbling sound ; 
And ah ! the water drives us on. 

And the iron horse is found ! 
The coach stands rusting in the yard. 

And the horse has sought the plow ; 
We have spanned the world with an iron rail. 

And the steam-king rules us now. 

" The old turnpike is a pike no more ; 
Wide open stands the gate ; 
We have made us a road for our horse to stride. 

And we ride at a flying rate ; 
We have filled the valleys and leveled the hills, 
• And tunneled the mountain side, 

And round the rough crag's dizzy verge. 
Fearlessly now we ride. 

*' On — on^on, with a haughty front, 
A puff, a shriek, and a bound ; 
While the tardy echoes wake too late 
To echo back the sound ; 



APPENDIX. 441 



And the old pike road is left alone, 
And the stagers seek the plow ; 

We have circled the earth with an iron rail. 
And the steam-king rules us now." 



THE ELECTRIC. 

The warning bell is sounding ; 

The moving air I feel ; 
The car goes by me bounding 

O'er throbbing rails of steel. 

My mind it doth bewilder, 

These wondrous things to scan. 

Awed not by man, the builder, 
But God, who made the man. 



INDEX. 



Abdallali, . 




. 84 


Bars of the Foot, . 


321 


Ability to Match Horses, 


. 283 


Barnum, P. T., . 


340 


Accident to Author, . 


. 240 


Bashaw (Green's), 


107 


Acute Founder, . 


. 367 


Bashaws and Clays, . 


106 


Administrator, . 


. 88 


Battle of Bunker Hill, 


41 


Administering Chloroform, 


. 403 


Bayard, .... 


317 


Advertising Quack ]\Iedicir 


les, . 340 


Bay as a Color, . 


404 


Age 


155, 306 


Beacon Light, 


. 437 


Age as Shown by the Teetl 


1, . 300 


Beautiful Bay, . 


61 


Ailments, and How to Doctc 


)r them, 351 


Beautiful Bells, . 


227 


Alexander, Robert A., 


. 90 


Belle Brandon, . 


91 


Alexander' s Abdallah, 


. 90 


Belfounder, 


83 


Alexander's Norman, 




. 57 


Belmont Maid, . 


313 


Allen, Caleb, 




. 64 


Big Head, .... 


272 


Alma Mater, 




. 228 


Birth of an Arab Foal, 


39 


American Clay, . 




. 107 


Bishoping, .... 


305 


American Girl, . 




. 223 


Biting, .... 


249 


American Star, . 




. 87 


Black Bashaw, . 


. 107 


American Trotter, 




. 117 


Black Douglass, . 


204 


Andrew Jackson, 




. 106 


Black Hawk, 


65 


Andy Johnson, . 




. 107 


Black Highlander, 


434 


Appendix, . 




. 425 


Black Horse of Flanders, . 


138 


Arion, . 




. 186 


Bladder, Inflammation of, . 


376 


Arabian Horses, . 




. 35 


Blanche Wayne,. 


432 


Arabian the Primitive Blooc 


l-horse, 36 


Blankets, .... 


261 


Arabian Horse Breeders, 


. 39 


Blindness, .... 


356 


Arabs as Foundation Stock 


. 36 


Blistering * 


358 


Arabian Horse Darley, 


. 37 


Blister Ointment, 


348 


Arabs at World's Fair, 1894 


t, . 43 


Blue Bull, .... 


109 


Author's Remarks, 


. 21 


Bone Spavin, 


351 


Author's Experience, . 


. 21 


Bonner. Robert, . 


222 


Author as a Judge in Races 


. 271 


Boot, James, 


82 


Author's Experience in Swj 


ipping 


Boston, .... 


49 


Horses, 


. 292 


Boston Boy Hambletonian, 


91 






Bots, 


357 


Backman, Charles, 


. 93 


Box Stall, .... 


159 


Balancing, . 


. 326 


Bowen, Henry C, 


21 


Balking, 


. 243 


Breaking Foals, . 


175 


Bandages, . 




. 278 


Breaking and Training, 


229 



(443) 



444 



INDEX. 



Breathing 349 

Breeding a Scientific Study, . 145 

Breeds, 33 

Breeding a Progressive Science, 118 

Breeding Stock 177 

Breeding Stylish Roadsters, . 178 

Breed for a Purpose, . . 145, 177 
Breeding tlie American Trot- 



ter, 
Brighton, Mass., 
Brittle Hoof, 
Bronchitis, . 
Brood Mares, 
Brown, George E., 
Buying Horses, . 
Buying and Selling, 



118, 177 
. 292 
. 356 
. 355 
164 
127 
283 
281 



153, 



Canadian Horses, . . 28, 56 
Canadian Blood in American 

Trotter, .... 57 
Care and Management of Stallions, 159 
Care of Brood Mares, . . . 164 
Care of the Mouth, . 259, 276, 349 
Care of Warm Horses, . 288, 277 
Care of the Foal, . . 168-171 
Care of Weanlings, . . . 175 

Capped Hocks 362 

Capet, Hugh , . . . .129 
Cassius M. Clay, . . .106 

Castration, 401 

Cataract, 358 

Chance Trotters, . . .121 

Charles Kent Mare, ... 82 
Check Reins, . . . 267, 332 
Chlorofofm, . . . .403 

Clamps, . . . ... 402 

Cleveland Bay, , . . . 125 

Clydesdale 139 

Clydesdale Society of America, . 140 
Climatic Influence, . . 28, 56 

Coachman, 287 

Color of Horses, . . . 182, 315 
Collar Galls, . . . .373 
Coflan Joint, . . . .354 

Colic, 360 

Col. Jenifer, .... 41 
Col. Sprague, .... 91 
Color and Weight of Morgans, . 63 



Columbus, . 


. 57 


Columbus, Christopher, . . 26 


Comparative Age of 


Horse and 


Man, . 


. 306 


Conditioning, 


. 403 


Connecticut Cavalry, 


. 40 


Connecticut Original 


Home of 


American Trotter 


. 123 


Controlling the Stallion, . . 162 


Corn as Food, 


. 257 


Corn Meal, . 


. 257 


Cora Linn, . 


. 312 


Corns, . 


. 364 


Cough, 


. 363 


Country Circus, . 


. 399 


Crane Horse, 


. 73 


Curbs, 


. 363 


Cut Feed, . 


. 260 


Daniel Lambert, . 


. 67 


Darley Arabian, . 


. 45 


Decker, John B,, 


. 211 


Delavi^are Maid, . 


. .202 


Dentition, . 


. 300 


De Soto, 


. 31 


Dexter, 


. 221 


Diamond, . 


. 61 


Diarrhea, 


. 365 


Dimon, John J., . 


. 354 


Dimon Stock Farm, 


. 241 


Dimon's Black Oil, 


. 346 


Dimon's Condition Po 


wders, . 347 


Dimon's Colic Remed. 


Y, . . 346 


Dimon's Leg Wash, 


. 347 


Dimon's Pathfinder, 


. 435 


Dimon's Spavin Cure 


. 346, 353 


Dimon's Stable Linim( 


mt, . . 347 


Diomed, 


. 48 


Distemper, . 


. 364 


Doble, Budd, 


. 211, 221 


Docking (Illus.), 


. 406 


Dollie, . 


.. . 228 


Draft Horses, 


. 135 


Driving long distance 


. 266 


Driving by the watch 


. 279 


Drooping of the head 


. 349 


Drying up the Sweat 


. 366 


Dusky Jane, 


. 195 





INDEX. 




445 


Early Foals, 


184 


French Canadian, 




56 


Early Importations, . 


48 


French Coach, 




128 


Early Maturity, Early Decay, 


373 


Frog, 


. 


320 


Early Training for Speed, . 


237 








Ears, 


849 


Galaxy of Celebrated Horses, 




425 


Electioneer, 


98 


Galls, . . . . 




872 


Roll of Honor, . 


96 


Gangrene, .... 




374 


Elliot, Eli, . . . . 


. 143 


Gen. Bayard, 




437 


EmmaB., .... 


246 


Gen. Grant's Fourth of July Visit 




Endurance of Morgans, 


76 


to Connecticut, 




2a 


English Draft, 


. 137 


Gen. Putnam, 




41 


English Shire, ' . 


137 


Gestation Period, 


. 


165 


Ethan Allen, . . 66-80, 209 


Getting Doubtful Mares in Foal, 


164 


Eyes, 


349 


Gentlemen Horsemen, 




401 


Exhibition of Horses, . 


318 


Geo. M. Patchen, 


106, 


215 


Exercise the Stallions, 


. 160 


George Wilkes, . 
Giving Medicine, 


87, 


216 
345 


Fame, 


400 


Glanders, .... 




373 


Families of Arabians, . 


38 


Godolphin Arabian, . 


. 


45 


Fanny Fern, 


. 311 


Golden Rule, 




242 


Fanny Kenyon, . 


312 


Goldsmith, Alden, 


. 


211 


Farm Teams, 


262 


Goldsmith Maid, 




211 


Fastest trotting records all ages 


411 


Good Care Secret of Success, 




185 


" " all ways 


Gov. Dimon, 




91 


going, .... 


411 


Govt. Studs of France, 




128 


Fastest pacing records all ages 


412 


Grand Bashaw, . 


41 


106 


" " " all wayj 




Grassing the Stallion, . 




161 


going 


412 


Gray Horses, 


42 


315 


Fastest running records, . 


418 


Great Age of Horses, . 




806 


Fearnaught, 


47 


Great Trotting Brood Mares, 


. 


226 


Feeding the Foal, 


173 


Grease Heel, 




385 


Feeding and Stable Management 


256 


Green's Bashaw, . 




106 


Fever, 


356 


Greek Mythology, 




30 


Fireaway family of trotters, 


83 


Green Mountain Maid, 


95 


226 




27 


Green Mountain Morgan, . 




73 


" " " Mass., 


27 


Grooms, .... 


255 


341 


" " " New York 


27 


Grooming, .... 




163 


" U. S., 


26 


Guard Against Overwork, . 




238 


" " " Virginia, 


27 








Fistula, .... 


367 


Hambletonian (Rysdyk's), . 




82 


Fits, 


370 


Hambletonian's Stud Career, 




86 


Flanks, . . 


849 


Handling the Reins, . 




223 




261 


Handling and Managing Trotters, 


271 


Flora Temple, 


199 


Handling the Foal, 




175 


Food and Climatic Influence, 


28 


Harness Galls, 




372 


Foot, 


319 


Hawkins, Jonathan, . 




221 


Founder, .... 


367 


Heaves, .... 




375 


Fractures or broken bones, 


370 


Henry Clay, 




106 



446 



INDEX. 



High Heels, ... 

Highland Maid, ... 

High Prices for Hambletonians, 

Hill, David, 

High Prices for American Trot- 
ters, 

High Prices for Thoroughbreds 

High Stallion Fees, 

Hitching to Carriage, . 

Holcomb, J. W., 

Horse Ailments and How to 
Doctor, .... 

Horse Breeding, . 

Horse in Slings, . 

Hugging the Lines, . 

Hunter, Dr. John, 



Immortality of the Horse, 

Imported Belfounder, 

Imported Messenger, . 

Imported Rambler, 

Imported Traveler, 

Index to Illustrations, 

Indian War Bridle, 

Indigestion, 

Inflammation of the Bladder, 
" " Bowels, 

" " Eyes, . 

" " Kidneys, 

" " Lungs, 

" Womb, 

Influence of the Dam, 

Injections, . . . . 1' 

Introduction, 

Ishmael Pacha, . 

January 1st, Age Commences, 

Janus, 

Jealous Mothers, 

Jenifer Arabian, . 

Jockey Tricks, . 

Joseph the First Horse Dealer, 

Jogging, .... 

Johnny Morgan, . 

Justia Morgan, . 



83 
47, 

46 



329 

204 

87 

66 

186 
50 
51 

267 
66 

362 
145 
368 
250 
339 

30 
, 88 
244 

53 
, 61 

15 
251 
377 
376 
379 
378 
378 
379 
378 
156 
•379 

19 

41 

185 

46 

170 

41 

290 

1 

275 

208 

41, 60 



Kate, . 

Kicking in Harness, 

Kidneys, 



57 
247 
256 



King Thomas, 
Kitty Bayard, 

Lady Franklin, . 

Lady Suffolk, . 

Lady Thorne, 

Lampas, 

Lameness, . 

Language of Horses, 

Lancet, 

Last Message of Ethan Allen, 

Lexington, . 

Lice, . 

Light and Ventilation 

Lindsey Arabian, 

Linsley, Daniel C, 

Linseed Meal, 

List of 2: 10 Trotters, 

" " " Pacers, 
Little Neck Beach, R. I. 
Location, 
Locked Jaw, 
Lowering the Records 



Lung Fever, 
Lying Down, 



Trotting 
Pacing, 



Maggie Dimon, . 

Mahomet, . 

Management of Farm teams, 

" Teams on th( 
Road, 
" " Road and Driv 

ing Horses, 
" at Foaling time, 

of the Foal, 
Mange, 

Mares of Mahomet, 
Marking the Foal, 
Marvin. Charles, 
Membrane of the Nose, 
Messenger, . 
jMiscellaneous, 
Miss Russell, 
Molar Teeth, 
Molburn, Rufus, 
]\Iorgan Caesar, . 
Horses, 





INDEX. 


447 


ilorgiius as Roadsters 


. 60 


Pilot Medium, 


. 317 


" Stagers, 


. 74 


Plan of this Book, 


. 23 


" Trotters, 


. 79 


Pleuro-Pneumonia, 


. 383 


Mouth, 


. 239-376, 349 


Pointing with the Nose, 


. 350 


Motion, 


. 67 


" Fore Foot, 


. 350 


Mount Hope, R. I., 


. 19 


Poll Evil, .... 


. 383 






Positive Breeders, 


. 156 


Naming the Colt, 


. 175 


Potency of Belfounder, 


. 83 


Narragansett Bay, 


.' . . 53 


Preface, .... 


. 17 


' ' Beach, 


. . 53 


Prince Albert, 


. 425 


" Pacer, 


. 52, 123 


Percherons as Draft Horses, 


. 136 


National American Trotter, . 118 


" " Road Horses, 


. 137 


Trotting Hor 


se, . . . 118 


Priam, .... 


. 48 


Studs of France, . . 128 


Principles of Breeding, 


. 146 


Nature's great law, 


. 145 


Proud Flesh, 


. 383 


Nellie Bl3% . 


. 310 


Pulse 


. 848 


Nippers, 


.301 


Pulling on the Halter, 


. 250 


Nose an Indicator, 


. 348 


Purchase ,of Ranger, . 


. 40 


Noted Sons of Hambl 


stonian, . 87 


Pulling on the Bit, 


. 239 


Number of Mares to a 


Stallion, . 162 










Quacks, .... 


. 343 


Oats as Food, 


. ' . 257 


Quack Medicines, 


. 340 


Old Abb, . 


. 211 


Quittor, . . ... 


. 383 


' ' Abdallah, 


. 84 






" Age, General Sigr 


IS, . . 305 


Raising by Hand, 


. 173 


" Dolly, . 


. 228 


Rambler, .... 


. 53 


" Country Circus, 


. 399 


Ranger, .... 


. 40 


" Time Trotters, 


. 189 


Rarey, J. S., 


. 343 


" Turnpike, 


. 440 


" cord. 


. 253 


One Eye, 


. 84 


Rat-tail, .... 


. 394 


Overdraw Check, 


. 248, 333 


Reducing the Records, 


. 123 


Opening of the Heels, 


. 327 


Richards, A. Keen, 


. 43 


Origin of the Narragansett Pacer, 52 


Ringbone, .... 


. 384 


Overwork, . 


. 237 


Ripton, .... 


79, 193 






Road qualities of Percherons, 


. 137 


Pacers, 2:10, 


. 419 


Roaring, . ... 


. 384 


Pacing Standard, 


. 408 


Rowell 


. 391 


Paddock, 


. 159 


Royal Morgan, . 


. 73 


Palmer, Thos. W., 


. 43 


Runaway, to Stop, 


. 407 


Pampered Stallions, . 


. 160 


Russell, John E., 


. 30 


Pastern Bones {Illus.), 


. 354 


Rysdyk, Wm. M., 


. 83 


Patience in Training, . 


. 229 


Rysdyk's Hambletonian, . 


. 83 


Pawing in Stall, . 


. 251 






Pearce, Daniel, . 


. 52 


Saddle Galls, 


. 373 


Percherons, 


. 135 


Sagacity of Horses, 


. 238 


Perrin, Geo. E., . 


. 202 


Salt for 


. 261 


Physic Bail, 


. 348 


Sanders, J. C, . 


. 136 


Pilot, .... 


. 57 


Sand Crack, 


. 386 



448 



INDEX. 



Scot Grays, ... . .317 

Scours, 365 

Scratches, 385 

Seeley's American Star, . . 87 
Seeley, Joseph, .... 82 
Selecting Breeding Stock, . 151, 181 
Selecting the Stallion, . 151, 181 
Selecting the Brood Mare, . 155, 181 

Setons, 391 

Shanghai Marji . . .95, 226 
Sherman, James, ... 64 

Sherman Morgan, . . ' 54-64 
Shetland Isles, . . . .141 
Shetland Ponies, .... 141 

Shoeing, 324 

Shoe Boil, 389 

Short Toes, 329 

Short Brushes of Speed, .. .237 
Showing Sale Horses, ... . 286 
Shying, . . . . .232 

Skin, 349 

Slavering, 388 

Slings, ... . . .368 

Smith, Henry N., . . .212 

Sole 320 

Sole Leather Pads, . . .330 
Sontag, . . . . .207 

Sore Back, 372 

Southcote, Mary L., . . . 52 
Spasmodic Colic, . . . 361 

Splint, 392 

Split Hoof, 386 

Sprague's Hambletonian, . . 91 
Sprains and Strains, . . . 391 

St. Bel 338 

Stanford, Leland, . . . .94 

Standard Admission, Trotting, . 408 

Pacing, . 408 

Stifle Joint, 389 

Stocking of the Legs, . . 387 
Stockton King, . . . .438 
String Halt, . . . .396 

Strains and Sprains, . . . 391 
Strain of Coffin Joint, . . 393 

Stumbling, 388 

Suavity 281 

Surfeit 392 

Surrey, 58 



Sucking Colts, , 

Sweat, 

Sweeney, 

Swapping Horses, 

Swelling of the Legs, . 

Symptoms of Disease, 

Swipe, 



173 
366 
390 
28& 
387 
344 
271 



Tail Rubbing, , . . .394 
Team Record Trotting, . . 411 
Team Record Pacing, . . 413 

Teamsters, 263 

The American Trotting Horse, . 117 
The Bashaws and Clays, . . 106 
The Coachman, . . . .287 
The Electric, . . . .441 
The 1st Chariot Cavalry, . . 26 
The Flanks, . . . . 34» 

The Fireaways, .... 83 

The Horse, 1 

The Mouth, . . 239-276, 349 

The Morgan Horse, . - . .60 
The Swipe, . . . .' .271 
The Thoroughbred Horse, . . 44 
Thick Water, . . . .395 
Thoroughbred Horses, . . 44 
Tlioroughpin, .... 395 
Time to Succeed, . . .280 

Thumps, 316 

Topgallant, . . . . 18& 

Tracks, How to lay out, . . 40& 

Train in Line 235 

Training for Speed, . . . 236 
Training Circus Horses, . . 253 
Training Vicious Horses, . . 242 
Trotting Records, present and 

past 414 

Trotting Standard, .' . -. 408 
True Britain, .... 61 
Tumors, . . . . . 394 
Tushes, 301 

Underbill, Bishop, ... 48 
Unsound Mares as Breeders, . 157 
Use of the Whip, . . .267 
Use of the Brood Mares, . . 166 

Value of Thoroughbred Stallions, 49 
Value of Foods, . . . .259 



INDEX. 



449 



Value of Horses in U. S., 


. 30 


Wild Horses, 


27-31 


Vermont Cavalry, 


. 78 


Wilson's Blue Bull, . 


. 


109 


Veterinary Science, 


. 337 


Wind Galls, 




396 


Veterinary Quacks, 


. 343 


World's Fastest Record 


trotting, 
paciug, 


411 
412 


Wall of the Foot, 


. 319 


" Stallion " 


trotting. 


411 


Warranty, . 


, 407 


<< << 


pacing. 


412 


War Bridle, 


. 251 


Woodbury Morgan, 




72 


Wash for Trotters, 


. 278 


Woodruff, Hiram, 


. 194 


240 


Water Before Feeding, 


. 259 


Wounds, 


. 


398 


Whoa ! important to teach 


. 233 


Worms, 




396 


Weaning Foals, . 


. 175 


Worm Ball, 


. 


397 


Whip, ... 


238-267 








White Turk, 


. 46 


Yankee, 


, 


123 


Wild Air, . 


47-61 


Young Bashaw, . 


. 


106 



DIMON'S 
Horse and Cattle Medicine 

CAREFULLY COMPOUNDED AND SOLD BY JOHN DIMON, 

AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER OF "AMERICAN HORSES 

AND HORSE BREEDING." "AMERICAN 

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BDDK ABENTS WAHTEB. 



^^JX^ 



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American Gattle and Gattle Breeding. 



Breeds and their Special Merits. American 

Dairyman and Dairy Management. The 

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ON THE 

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grofuselB |IIustratetl 



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